Dubai International Airport (DXB) Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE
Dubai International Airport, commonly known as DXB, is the principal international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is operated and managed by Dubai Airports and is one of the world’s most important international aviation hubs.
As of 2026, DXB remains the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. In 2025, it handled a record 95.2 million guests, 454,800 flight movements and connected Dubai with 291 destinations in 110 countries through 108 international carriers.
Dubai International Airport — Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Dubai International Airport |
| IATA code | DXB |
| ICAO code | OMDB |
| Location | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Airport operator | Dubai Airports |
| Opened | 1960 |
| Terminals | 3 passenger terminals — T1, T2 and T3 |
| Concourses | A, B, C and D |
| Runways | 2 |
| Primary role | International passenger hub |
| 2025 passenger traffic | 95.2 million guests |
| 2025 aircraft movements | 454,800 |
| International destinations | 291 |
| Countries connected | 110 |
| International carriers | 108 |
| Main hub airline | Emirates |
| Airport website | Dubai Airports — DXB official website |
| Wikipedia | Dubai International Airport — Wikipedia |
Important Dubai International Airport Contact Numbers
| Purpose | Contact number | Availability / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Airports Customer Contact Centre | +971 4 224 5555 | 24/7 |
| DXB Airport Operations Control Centre / Airport Emergency Services | +971 4 504 5000 | 24/7 operational/emergency contact |
| Medical emergency at DXB | +971 4 504 5000 | Airport emergency medical response |
| UAE Police emergency | 999 | Immediate police emergency |
| UAE Ambulance | 998 | Medical emergency |
| UAE Civil Defence / Fire | 997 | Fire and civil-defence emergency |
| UAE Electricity emergency | 991 | Electricity-related emergency |
| GDRFA Dubai — visa/immigration enquiries | 800 5111 | Calling from Dubai |
| GDRFA Dubai — from outside UAE | +971 4 313 9999 | Immigration/visa enquiries |
Dubai International Airport Terminals
DXB has three passenger terminals. Terminal allocation can vary by airline and flight, so passengers should always verify the terminal on their boarding pass or with their airline before travelling. Dubai Airports maintains an online airline directory for current terminal assignments.
| Terminal | Main role | Concourses / gates | Typical airlines / operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (T1) | Major international terminal | Concourse D | Numerous international airlines |
| Terminal 2 (T2) | Regional, scheduled, charter and special flights | F Gates | Various regional and international carriers |
| Terminal 3 (T3) | Major Emirates hub | Concourses A, B & C | Primarily Emirates; selected other carriers |
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is a major international terminal serving a large number of airlines. It is connected to Concourse D by an airport train. Dubai Airports says the terminal has capacity for more than 20 million passengers annually and serves more than 50 international carriers.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is physically separate from Terminals 1 and 3 and handles scheduled, charter and special flights. It is particularly important for a number of regional services.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the principal Emirates terminal and includes Concourses A, B and C. Concourse A is purpose-built for Airbus A380 operations and is one of the airport’s major aviation facilities.
Dubai Airports’ current transfer information notes that Terminal 3 includes A, B and C gates, while Terminal 1 contains D Gates and Terminal 2 contains F Gates.
Airlines at Dubai International Airport
DXB hosts a very large international airline network. The airport’s live airline directory should be used rather than relying on a static airline list because terminal assignments can change.
Examples include:
- Emirates — Terminal 3
- flydubai — Terminals 2 and 3, depending on flight
- Air India — Terminal 1
- IndiGo — Terminal 1
- Air India Express — Terminal 2
- British Airways — Terminal 1
- Air France — Terminal 1
- Singapore Airlines — Terminal 1
- United Airlines — Terminal 3
- Air Canada — Terminal 3
Medical Facilities and Emergency Assistance
DXB has medical facilities and response teams available 24/7. Airport Guest Experience Ambassadors can direct passengers to the nearest medical centre, while pharmacies are also available at the airport.
Airport medical/emergency number: +971 4 504 5000
For a UAE-wide emergency:
- 🚔 Police: 999
- 🚑 Ambulance: 998
- 🚒 Fire/Civil Defence: 997
Dubai International Airport — 2025 Traffic Highlights
The latest complete annual figures available from Dubai Airports show how significant DXB is globally:
| Metric | 2025 result |
|---|---|
| Passenger/guest traffic | 95.2 million |
| Year-on-year growth | +3.1% |
| Aircraft movements | 454,800 |
| Annual load factor | 77.6% |
| Destinations | 291 |
| Countries | 110 |
| International carriers | 108 |
| Busiest month | December — 8.7 million guests |
| Top country market | India — 11.9 million guests |
| Top city market | London — 3.9 million guests |
Dubai International Airport FAQs
What is the airport code for Dubai International Airport?
The IATA code is DXB and the ICAO code is OMDB.
Is Dubai International Airport the same as Al Maktoum International Airport?
No. DXB is Dubai International Airport. DWC is Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai’s second airport.
How many terminals does Dubai International Airport have?
DXB has three passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
Which terminal does Emirates use at Dubai Airport?
Emirates primarily operates from Terminal 3, including Concourses A, B and C.
Which terminal does flydubai use?
flydubai currently has services associated with Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, depending on the operation. Always verify your specific flight.
How far in advance should I reach DXB?
Dubai Airports recommends arriving at least three hours before departure.
Does Dubai Airport have a Metro station?
Yes. Metro access is available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Are taxis available 24 hours at DXB?
Yes. Dubai Taxi Company taxis are available 24/7 at designated ranks at each passenger terminal.
What is the starting taxi fare from DXB?
The airport currently lists a starting fare of AED 25, with additional charges based on distance.
Is there a passenger pick-up area at DXB Arrivals?
There is no dedicated pick-up area at Arrivals. Pick-up drivers should use the airport’s car parks.
What should I do if I lose my passport or phone at DXB?
For an item lost inside the airport or on an aircraft, use the official DXB lost-and-found process. If it is checked baggage that did not arrive, contact the airline operating your flight.
What is the Dubai Airport emergency number?
For airport emergency/medical response, Dubai Airports lists +971 4 504 5000. For UAE emergency services, call 999 police, 998 ambulance or 997 Civil Defence.
Can I use Smart Gates at DXB?
Eligible UAE/GCC nationals, UAE residents and certain eligible biometric-passport travellers can use Smart Gates, subject to current eligibility requirements.
Where can I check my DXB terminal?
Use the official Dubai Airports airline directory and verify the terminal against your airline and flight number.