The successful exercise paves the way for the phased transition of operations to the new terminal, beginning 14th October. The phased opening of the terminal, which is dedicated to Emirates, will be implemented in four phases to ensure that systems and processes are all in place and thoroughly tested. The aim is to make sure that all aspects of the customer experience at the new terminal are smooth and convenient when it opens to public. Some 3,800 volunteers from the public were involved in the final simulation which was focused on testing both the arrival and departure processes as well as the facilities
for passengers transferring between flights at the airport. Dubai Airports has now had valuable input from more than 8,000 members of the public who were enthusiastic participants in the three major airport simulations that have been conducted over the last few months. Volunteers were asked to give their feedback on their experience to assist the airport in bringing the terminal to a full state of operational readiness so that the large and complex facility can be successfully opened in October. The three exercises also served as useful experiences for the many thousands of staff from the companies and government agencies who will work at the facility, enabling them to familiarise themselves with the operation of the new terminal in an environment which was close to an everyday operation at the airport. Some volunteer ‘passengers’ boarded and disembarked from aircraft which were at the gates of the concourse and a wide range of the retail and catering facilities were in operation. Terminal 3 and its airside facilities at Dubai International will not only boost the capacity of the airport to an annual figure of over 60 million passengers, but will provide a significant enhancement to the quality of customer service which will enable Emirates and Dubai Airports to attract a significant number of new travellers to Dubai over the next few years.
