For all travellers who are headed to Dubai in the coming weeks, it’s time to rethink the route map and build in exigency plans for any last-minute delays/cancellations or just to avoid the commute time from a transit airport.
Dubai Airports has confirmed a 45-day closure of the southern runway at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for an extensive upgrade to boost capacity, infrastructure and safety levels of the runway.
Reports suggest that the period of closure is from 16 April to 30 May 2019. In the interim, flights may be reduced or diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC) and other nearby airports.
All possible efforts to reduce the trouble for passengers is being looked into. Passengers will be shuffled from DXB to DWC by express buses that will run every 30 minutes to minimise the inconvenience and to provide an ongoing service with limited waiting time.
DWC will handle 145 passenger planes during this period. This includes flights by flydubai, Indigo, SpiceJet, Kuwait Airways, Wizz Air, Aeroflot, Gulf Air, Ukraine International Airlines, Nepal Airlines and flynas. Indian carriers Air India and Air India Express will be moved to Sharjah International Airport.
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In January 2019, Emirates Airlines said a significant number of its flights will be impacted by this closure. They have grounded 48 aircraft and reduced 25% of the flights operated by the airline during this 45-day period.
Paul Griffiths, CEO Dubai Airports said, “We’re confident that we are fully prepared and good to go for April 16. We are encouraging passengers to confirm their airport of departure before they set out to take their flights but otherwise, they can expect smooth operations and great service.”