Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 holds the distinction of being the world’s largest airport terminal. With its inauguration on 14 October 2008, this extraordinary structure surpassed all others in terms of size. It covers a total area of over 1,713,000 square meters (18,440,000 square feet).
Terminal 3, which was primarily constructed for Emirates, showcases a blend of functionality and grandeur. Its construction costed $4.5 billion. The terminal underwent a transformation when Emirates and Qantas forged an extensive code sharing agreement on 6 September 2012. This partnership granted Qantas the privilege of using Terminal 3, making it the second Airline to operate from this facility.
One of the remarkable aspects of Terminal 3 is its underground section, which adds a unique dimension to its overall design. The partially subterranean structure integrates with the above ground sections, resulting in a cohesive and efficient layout.
The terminal has a capacity to accommodate 43 million travelers. An important feature of Terminal 3 is the dedicated Concourse A. It houses 18 Airbus A380 gates, providing ample space for these double decker Aircraft. Additionally, Concourse B offers an additional five gates specifically tailored for A380 operations.
Terminal 3- Hub for Multiple Carriers
In December 2018, Terminal 3 witnessed the introduction of flydubai flights to selected destinations. This move aimed to facilitate transfers for passengers traveling on Emirates flights. By expanding its reach and network, Terminal 3 solidified its status as a hub for multiple carriers.
As of 6 March 2023, Terminal 3 welcomed United Airlines as its third carrier, offering non-stop services from Newark, New Jersey, USA. This marked a significant partnership between United Airlines and Emirates. Moreover, it further enhanced the terminal’s global connectivity.
Furthermore, Terminal 3’s prominence continued to grow in 2023 with the planned relocation of Air Canada’s services from Toronto Pearson. It positioned Air Canada as the fourth carrier to operate out of this terminal.
