DUBAI: The $5 billion new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport will be operational from Oct. 14, top Dubai airport officials disclosed on Thursday.
"This first phase of our ambitious airport expansion project is now complete and we look forward to welcoming the first customers on next Tuesday ," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, while leading a tour of journalists to the new facilitiy.
Paul Griffiths shrugged off concerns that the financial crisis could scuttle further work on the project. He says that "this is not the time to blink" and that the global crisis won't stop even larger airport being built on the other side of the city-state.
Emirates CEO Tim Clark says the crisis isn't affecting the carrier's business plans either.
The journalists experienced for themselves the spaciousness and facilities of the new, multi-storied concourse which will boost the capacity of Dubai International to more than 60 million travelers a year.
With its great dining, spectacular views, fabulous shopping and world-class lounges, Emirates Terminal 3 is set to herald a new era in air travel. Passengers can shop, relax, treat themselves to spa treatments or just carry on business as usual in the comfort of designer lounges that boast fully equipped business centers and fine dining.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, president of Dubai Airports and Chairman & CEO, Emirates Airline & Group, commented: "The new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International will make a significant contribution to the far-reaching strategic plan and the vision for Dubai's future"
"It was Sheikh Mohammed's vision that brought this multi-billion dollar investment to fruition. The complex is, to date, one of the biggest and most ambitious projects in the history of civil aviation and Dubai is proud to be home to it."
Commenting that Emirates alone will cater to more than 40 million passengers a year with the completion of Concourse 3 of the terminal, Tim Clark said: "With our growth plans well on track, having a dedicated terminal for Emirates was no longer an option but a necessity.."
With the start of the phased transition of Emirates' operations from Oct. 14, Emirates' customers to the GCC and the Americas will fly from this new facility. Officials advised customers to check from which terminal they are flying before setting off for Dubai International to avoid any unnecessary delays to their journey.
