More than 600 flights a week will be diverted to the new Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC) airport in Jebel Ali, because of the runway repairs and renovation taking place at Dubai International Airport. From May 1 to July 20 2014 several airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and Yemenia Airlines will be shifting to DWC. flydubai will be shifting some of its flights to DWC while several Indian airlines like Jet Airways and Air India Express will be shifting to Sharjah Airport.
Emirates will continue to operate out of Dubai International Airport (DXB) but will be scaling back its operations by reducing flights to 41 destinations. It will ground 22 aircraft and anticipates a revenue shortfall of Dh 1 billion because of the runway closures.
Dubai Airports has started a 24/7 free bus shuttle service between the two airports which leaves every 30 minutes. The transfer time between airports is between 90-120 minutes depending on traffic. The luxurious, airconditioned buses have sufficient luggage space and also have toilet facilities. The taxi fare between the two airports is about Dh 150.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline as to which airport they will be flying in and out of. DXB stands for Dubai International and DWC is for Dubai World Central. Since flight rescheduling for the planned runway closure started in 2013, most tickets will mention the correct airport. Passengers just have to read their tickets carefully and make sure they head to the correct airport. Passengers flying in from countries which require pre-departure UAE visas and have connecting flights from a different airport will have to obtain a UAE visa. It’s likely to be a summer of discontent for many passengers.
