Dnata’s operations at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport are set to increase dramatically with the opening of a 37,000 sq ft extension, scheduled for the end of March.

This extension will increase the airport's surface area to 93,000 sq ft.

The expanded facilities will see Dnata Airport Operations servicing around 700 flights per week from Terminal 2, of which 320 will be cargo and 380 passenger. This is an increase of around 50 per cent on current passenger loads and will see a potential annual throughput of approximately five million passengers, Dnata said.

The new airport expansion will also welcome a wealth of new facilities, including six open boarding gates to replace the current system of five gates, each with a holding lounge – a first for Dubai. Open boarding gates allow several flights to board simultaneously, help cut down traffic flow and thereby reduce boarding times significantly.

Ahmed Langawi, vice president, Terminal 2 Operations, said: “We are very pleased to be working in conjunction with Dubai Civil Aviation, the owners of the airport, to bring these improvements to our commercial and cargo clients at Terminal 2.

“Since it was opened in 1998, Terminal 2 has enjoyed tremendous growth. Initially the airport was built to cope with 10 aircraft and had 22 check-in desks, one arrivals belt and five departure gates. When the new extension is operational we will have 36 check-in desks, three arrivals belts, six open boarding gates.

“Demand for the facilities at Terminal 2 has really taken off in recent years and we look forward to offering our new and existing customers state-of-the-art facilities in a more spacious environment.”

Other new facilities at the Terminal 2 extension include, a First and Business Class Lounge, a Marhaba Lounge, a Special Handling Lounge for passengers requiring extra assistance, such as wheelchair users or unaccompanied minors, extended duty free, increased car parking, a left luggage store, a visa cancellation desk, a Dnata ticketing desk and additional refreshment stops both before check-in and after passport control.

Behind the scenes, the airport expansion will also include new facilities for Dnata staff, including dedicated office space, a conference room and refreshment facilities, as well as learning resource and training centres, which allow staff to complete their training needs in a comfortable an easy to access environment. - TradeArabia News Service