DXB Airport: Layout and Terminal Structure

Dubai International Airport is an enormous aviation complex, often described as a city within a city. The airport is made up of three terminal buildings. Two terminals are located side by side, while the third lies approximately 7 km away from the main complex.

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal at DXB and underwent a major renovation in 2013, transforming it into a modern, high-capacity facility. The terminal spans three levels and features around 200 check-in counters. It primarily serves international flights operated by more than 60 airlines.

The boarding gates of Terminal 1 are located in Concourse D, a separate building opened in 2016 to accommodate growing passenger traffic. Concourse D is connected to the main terminal via a free automated people mover, allowing Terminal 1 to handle up to 20 million passengers per year.

  • Level 1: Departures, check-in counters, ticket offices, shops, and dining areas
  • Level 2: Arrivals
  • Level 3: Additional passenger services

Concourse D offers a wide selection of duty-free shops, restaurants, and airline lounges, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Dubai Airport Terminal 2

Terminal 2, originally built in 1998, is fully detached from Terminals 1 and 3 and is located about 7 km away. It mainly serves low-cost, regional, charter, and select international flights and acts as a hub for Flydubai.

  • Level 1: Arrivals
  • Level 2: Gates F, lounges, food court, and retail outlets
  • Level 3: Departures
  • Level 4: Additional arrivals facilities

Despite its smaller size, Terminal 2 is equipped with modern technologies and essential passenger amenities.

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is one of the largest single-terminal buildings in the world, covering an area of approximately 1.7 million square meters. It is almost exclusively dedicated to Emirates Airlines, with only a small number of Qantas flights operating from this terminal.

This terminal is the most luxurious within the DXB complex and is the only one featuring an on-site airport hotel. Terminal 3 consists of four levels and three concourses.

  • Level 1: Arrivals
  • Level 2: Boarding gates
  • Level 3: Departures, shopping, and dining
  • Level 4: Secondary arrivals area

Concourse A was designed specifically for Airbus A380 aircraft, while Concourses B and C handle the remaining Emirates flights.

Transfers Between DXB Terminals

Terminals 1 and 3 are connected and can be accessed on foot without exiting the secure airport area. While a brief security screening may be required, passengers do not need to pass through customs or obtain a visa when transferring between these terminals.

  • Walking time between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 ranges from 5 to 30 minutes
  • Moving walkways and escalators are available throughout the route
  • Free airport shuttle buses operate every 20 minutes, 24/7
  • The Dubai Metro serves both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3

Due to the vast size of Terminal 3, reaching Concourse A on foot can be time-consuming. Passengers are advised to use the free automated train (Terminal 3 APM) for quicker access. A similar automated train connects Terminal 1 to Concourse D.

Free shuttle buses also provide transportation between Terminals 1 and 3 and the more distant Terminal 2. Depending on traffic and terminal locations, transfer times typically range between 15 and 25 minutes.