At Time Out Dubai, it’s easy to feel like our vibrant city is the epicenter of the world. However, this wasn’t always the case. There was a time when what we now know as DXB Airport was merely a stretch of barren land on the outskirts of a burgeoning metropolis. Over the years, Dubai International Airport has transformed dramatically, evolving from a single sandy runway into the world’s busiest airport for international travelers.

You may also like: Explore how Dubai has evolved from the 1960s to the present day. The transformation of DXB is nothing short of remarkable, and as we approach its 64th anniversary on September 30, it’s the perfect opportunity to delve into the archives and witness the extensive changes both at the airport and in the surrounding city.

History of DXB: The Early Years

Dubai International Airport began its journey in 1960, even though the city had long been a stopover point for flights from the UK to Pakistan as early as the 1930s. Enormous flying boats operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation would make a pit stop at Dubai Creek to refuel and restock on their way to Karachi. Initially, this was the primary role of what would become Dubai International Airport.

In the 1950s, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai at that time, recognized the necessity of an airport since there were no direct flights to the city. Interestingly, Sharjah had an operational airport run by the British army during this period. Consequently, travelers wishing to reach Dubai had to first fly to Bahrain, take a short flight to Sharjah, and then drive to Dubai—a cumbersome process, to say the least.

By 1960, Sheikh Rashid’s vision came to fruition. Dubai gained its own airport, strategically located on a 4km stretch of wasteland in Al Garhoud. Initially, it could accommodate aircraft the size of a DC-3, which had a capacity for 21 to 34 passengers. However, constructing an airport was no small feat; plans were initially set for a site in Jebel Ali, but concerns about distance from the city led to the Al Garhoud location being chosen.

The runway was sand-compacted, measuring 1,800 meters long and featuring three turning areas alongside a modest terminal that could handle around 200 passengers daily. Arrivals were swift, with a single immigration officer processing passports, and the terminal housed just two shops for travelers to browse before venturing out to find a taxi.

Middle East Airlines marked its place in history as the first to land at Dubai International. However, as MEA and Kuwait Airways began flying in larger four-engined viscount aircraft, the sandy runway struggled to keep up, often blowing away under the impact.

By 1965, the sandy runway had been replaced with an asphalt one, accompanied by a range of new facilities. The 1970s were a transformative era, introducing a new three-storey terminal building, a traffic control tower, extended taxiways, a lengthened runway, and improved airfield lighting, all geared towards modernizing the airport.

This new terminal allowed for the construction of an airport lounge, providing passengers with a comfortable space to relax before their flights. The lounge and various facilities in the 1970s represented significant progress for DXB as it began to establish itself as a key player in international travel.

History of DXB Airport: The Arrival of Emirates

The 1980s brought about remarkable developments, including the launch of Dubai Duty Free in 1983, the addition of a second runway, and the inception of Emirates Airlines. The idea for Emirates was proposed by Sheikh Al Maktoum in early 1984, and within five months, the Dubai National Air Travel Agency had launched the airline.

Emirates took its inaugural flight in October 1985, with its first destinations being Karachi and Mumbai—similar to those early flights from the 1930s. By 1988, over 4.3 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport, marking a new era of growth.

History of DXB Airport: The Opening of Terminal 2

As Dubai continued to flourish throughout the 1990s, so did its airport. In 1998, the opening of Terminal 2 increased the airport’s capacity by an additional two million passengers per year, further solidifying its role as a vital hub for international travel.

History of DXB Airport: The Modern Era

Entering the 2000s, Dubai International Airport saw unprecedented growth. In 2002, it was officially recognized as the fastest-growing airport globally. A Dhs2 billion expansion project more than doubled its capacity from 10 million to 23 million passengers through the construction of a new concourse.

This growth continued with the addition of a third terminal in 2008, allowing for a staggering capacity of 60 million passengers. In 2009, DXB welcomed 40 million passengers for the first time, and with the introduction of flydubai, Terminal 2 underwent a significant renovation. By 2014, DXB proudly claimed the title of the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, receiving over 70.4 million travelers in just one year—a title it has maintained ever since.

History of DXB: Looking Ahead

Earlier in 2024, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a grand Dhs128 billion expansion plan for Al Maktoum International Airport. Located in Jebel Ali, this second airport aims to enhance the region’s connectivity and is expected to accommodate a staggering 260 million passengers once completed. However, realizing this ambitious vision could take over a decade.

As for the future of DXB, it remains uncertain what developments may arise once Al Maktoum International Airport is fully operational.

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