To those who have watched the staggering growth of Dubai in recent years, it will come as no surprise that Dubai International Airport's massive expan-sion programme will make it the world's premier gateway for the new Airbus A380. While the emirate continues to set new records in building projects – including the tallest tower and the biggest building on earth – the airport is committed to earning its own place in the annals of aviation. Not only underpinning Dubai’s goal of tripling visitors from the current five million to 15 million by 2010, but also cementing its status as the region's major transit hub, with more than 100 airlines flying to 160 destinations worldwide. Virgin Atlantic is the latest carrier to announce plans to fly to the emirate, with services starting on March 27. With the customary vision of Dubai's ruling Maktoum family, the airport's future was mapped out in 1997, based on an impressive 125% increase in passenger throughput over the past decade to reach nine million. Within seven years this figure had doubled, in 2004 hitting 21 million, and by 2010, an estimated 60 million travellers will pass through the terminals.The first phase of the ambitious expansion programme saw the opening of the US$540 million Sheikh Rashid Terminal in spring 2000. Hard on its heels, the US$4 billion second stage includes the construction of Terminal 3, and concourses 2 and 3, and the upgrade of the existing Terminal 2, all scheduled for completion next year. Terminal 3 and the new concourses will be for the exclusive use of Emirates, Dubai International's major player. As such, it has enjoyed a key role in planning the airport's expansion, its enthusiastic endorsement of the Airbus A380 a significant factor in driving the design concept. As the launch customer, the airline has 45 of the super-jumbos on order, with the first due for delivery in 2007. By which time its dedicated facilities will be up and running. Concourse 2 will have five gates specifically tailored to the aircraft, Concourse 3 a further 18, with oversize seating sections and double-decker airbridges catering for the 500-plus passengers on each flight. In addition, Terminal 3 will include first class lounges, restaurants, 180 check-in desks and parking for 2,600 vehicles; Concourse 2 is to have a 300-room hotel, duty-free shopping outlets and eateries; and the arrivals area will incorporate large capacity baggage conveyor belts, and extensive customs and immigration facilities. With a passenger capacity of 70 million a year, you might think the new-look Dubai International will be more than capable of coping with the emirate's most optimistic expectations of growth. Think again. The authorities are already considering the construction of a further airport at Jebel Ali to handle 120 million
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