Dubai Airports has announced that a phased transition of operations to Dubai International’s new Terminal 3 will start from October 14, 2008.
The ‘soft’ opening will be implemented in four phases, to ensure that systems and processes are working to the highest standards of efficiency
, enabling customers to make their way through the facility as easily and speedily as possible. The Emirates Airline-dedicated terminal is currently undergoing operational readiness trials to ensure that customers have an unmatched experience, whether arriving, departing or in transit.HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said: “Terminal 3 and the associated development represent a much needed expansion of Dubai’s aviation infrastructure. The new facility will play an important role in supporting Dubai’s economic progress, and reaffirm the city’s image as an emerging global aviation hub.” Reiterating that Terminal 3 will be made fully operational in a phased approach, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Raising customer service standards at Dubai International is at the heart of our strategy. We want to make absolutely sure that all the systems and processes at Terminal 3 are working smoothly and that customers experience nothing short of world-class facilities and service when they use the new Terminal. It is precisely for this reason that we have decided to make Terminal 3 fully operational in phases.” He added: “We are also conducting a series of operational readiness trials at Terminal 3 and its airside facility as a run-up to the ‘soft’ opening in October.”
Dubai Airports conducted the first major operational trial, involving over 2,000 volunteers, on August 9. Some 6,000 volunteers will participate in similar trials scheduled to be conducted later this month and at the end of September.
