How many international airports are in Dubai? Guide for travelers

Two international airports serve Dubai as the city functions as an essential business and tourism center which depends on these vital facilities to link the metropolitan region to worldwide destinations.

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport functions as the principal international airport of Dubai while maintaining its position among the world's top busiest aviation facilities since its opening in 1960. The Al Garhoud district hosts this facility which maintains a short distance to Dubai's central area. As the flag carrier of Dubai Emirates Airline operates from Dubai International to over 240 destinations throughout six continents. DXB stands among the world's leading international passenger traffic airports since it processed more than 80 million travelers before the pandemic and has shown steady growth since its inception.

Although Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is envisioned as Dubai’s future main airport, DXB remains the city’s dominant passenger hub at present.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

DWC is located approximately 37 kilometers southwest of central Dubai, near the Jebel Ali area – making it a more distant option for city travelers. The development of DWC aims to make it the world's biggest airport based on its capacity although it remains smaller than DXB at present. This facility primarily deals with cargo movements together with limited passenger flight services that include budget and charter transportation. The growing infrastructure development will transform this airport into Dubai's primary airport of the future.

While DXB continues to handle the majority of international passengers, DWC is steadily expanding and currently offers selected commercial and charter services.

International airports

Together, these two international airports contribute to Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub, with DXB as the main passenger gateway and DWC developing rapidly as a future-focused airport with growing cargo and charter operations.

The aviation system in Dubai includes DXB as its main hub and DWC as an upcoming facility geared toward the future of flight operations. Millions of travelers experience seamless travel experiences every year at Dubai airports because this city operates world-class airport facilities for business visitors and tourists and transit passengers.

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