Dubai Airports

Over the past few decades, Dubai has become one of the world’s most popular business and tourist destinations. Every year, millions of visitors travel to this modern, luxurious, and vibrant city. Due to Dubai’s close proximity to Iran and the strong commercial and cultural ties between the two countries, Dubai is also an important business, cultural, and leisure destination for many Iranians.

Knowing more about Dubai’s airports and their terminals can help you navigate the airport with confidence and enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free journey.

In this guide, you will learn more about the different areas of Dubai’s airports, Terminals 1, 2, and 3, arrival and departure flights, and the facilities available to passengers. If you have also booked a rental car through Rentifa, the international car rental platform, this guide will help you learn about the different terminals and the designated parking areas for picking up and returning your rental car.

Dubai Airports

Dubai is one of the Middle East’s most important business, tourism, and air transportation hubs. The city has several airports serving international and domestic passengers. The main airports in Dubai are:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Dubai’s main and busiest airport and one of the world’s leading international airports.
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – Located in Dubai South, this airport is playing an increasingly important role in the future expansion of Dubai’s aviation network.

Which Is the Main Airport in Dubai?

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main airport serving Dubai, with most international flights arriving and departing from this airport. It has three main terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and offers a wide range of facilities and services, including parking, ground transportation, car rental services, 

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport is the most important airport in the United Arab Emirates and one of the world’s busiest and most popular international airports, welcoming thousands of passengers every day.

With the IATA code DXB, Dubai International Airport was officially opened in 1960 by the Ruler of Dubai. Until 1970, it was a relatively small airport mainly used for refueling aircraft passing through the region. In 1970, the airport underwent major renovations and expansion. Today, it covers an area of nearly 3,000 hectares and is operated by Dubai Airports.

Dubai International Airport is located in Al Garhoud, an area in eastern Dubai. Al Garhoud is a mixed commercial and residential district and is also home to many pilots and flight crew members of Emirates Airline.

Over the past several decades, Dubai International Airport has become one of the world’s major gateways for international travelers. It also handles many flights to and from Iran, making DXB an important airport for Iranian travelers visiting Dubai each year.

Dubai International Airport has been recognized several times as one of the best international airports in the Middle East. It has the capacity to handle around 75 million passengers annually.

DXB is also one of the world’s busiest airports based on international passenger traffic. More than 8,000 flights operate from the airport every week, connecting Dubai to more than 270 destinations across all continents.

Around 140 airlines operate flights through Dubai International Airport. The airport is also the main hub for two of the UAE’s most important airlines: Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, and flydubai.

Dubai Airport Flight Schedule

For the latest arrival and departure flight schedules at Dubai International Airport (DXB), passengers can check the official Dubai Airports flight-status page. The system allows travelers to search for a flight by airline, city, or flight number and view arrival and departure information.

Dubai International Airport Terminals

Terminals for Domestic and Major Airlines

At Dubai International Airport (DXB), airlines operate from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, depending on the airline and type of flight. Terminal 1 is mainly used by many international airlines, Terminal 2 serves some regional and charter flights as well as airlines such as flydubai, while Terminal 3 is primarily used by Emirates and selected flydubai flights.

Some Major Airlines and Their Terminals

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is one of the main terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB), and more than 100 international airlines operate from this terminal. Covering an area of approximately 520,000 square meters, it has an annual capacity of around 15 million passengers. Terminal 1 includes one concourse, known as Concourse D, and has 221 check-in counters.

Terminal 1 has three floors:

First Floor:

The first floor includes check-in counters and baggage drop-off counters and is mainly dedicated to departing flights. Facilities and services available at this terminal include a children’s area, self-service kiosks, airline ticket counters, restaurants and cafés, currency exchange offices, and free Wi-Fi.

Second Floor:

The second floor of Terminal 1 is mainly used for arriving passengers. Facilities include smart gates, immigration services, luggage trolleys, and lounges.

Third Floor:

The third floor offers a variety of facilities and services, including numerous restaurants and cafés, currency exchange offices, ATMs and banks, car rental companies, a business center, children’s play areas, mother-and-child rooms, baggage storage, prayer rooms, a designated smoking area, and Wi-Fi access.

Dubai Airport Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is located slightly farther away from Terminals 1 and 3 and has an annual capacity of approximately 5 million passengers. This terminal mainly serves regional, charter, and special-interest flights. Flights to and from South Asia and the Gulf region are commonly operated through Terminal 2. Low-cost flydubai flights also operate from this terminal, and around 50 airlines currently use Terminal 2.

Terminal 2 has four floors:

First Floor:

The first floor is mainly dedicated to arriving passengers.

Second Floor:

The second floor includes waiting areas, transfer desks, business-class lounges, a food court, and various restaurants and cafés.

Third Floor:

The third floor is dedicated to departing flights. Facilities include check-in counters, airport staff and crew counters, special assistance services, VIP lounges, airline ticket counters, and immigration desks.

Fourth Floor:

The fourth and final floor is also used for arriving passengers and offers various facilities, including currency exchange offices, ATMs and banks, parking, restaurants and cafés, car rental companies, a business center, children’s play areas, mother-and-child rooms, prayer rooms, smoking areas, Wi-Fi access, medical and healthcare facilities, and lounges.

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 – One of the World’s Largest Airport Terminals

Terminal 3 covers an area of approximately 160,000 square meters and is one of the world’s largest airport terminals. Dubai Airport Terminal 3 has four floors and serves as the main hub for Emirates.

First Floor:

The first floor is mainly used for arriving passengers. Facilities include luggage trolleys, check-in services, medical facilities, hotel reservation desks, and car rental counters.

Second Floor:

The second floor is mainly used for boarding flights, where passengers complete the necessary procedures before boarding their aircraft.

Third Floor:

The third floor is dedicated to departing flights. In addition to various passenger facilities, it includes 126 check-in counters, excess baggage counters, a special area for unaccompanied children, airline ticket counters, and immigration desks.

Fourth Floor:

The fourth and final floor is mainly used for arriving passengers. Facilities include currency exchange services, parking, ATMs and banks, restaurants and cafés, car rental companies, a business center, mother-and-child rooms, children’s play areas, smoking areas, prayer rooms, Wi-Fi, medical facilities, and passenger lounges.

Parking at Dubai International Airport

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 each have two parking areas: Parking A (Premium) and Parking B (Economy). According to the designated parking restrictions, rental car pick-up and drop-off must be carried out in Parking A, while Parking B is mainly used for private vehicles and long-term parking.

Dubai International Airport Premium Parking (Parking A) Prices – 2026

Dubai International Airport Economy Parking (Parking B) Prices – 2026

How to Pay for Parking at Dubai International Airport

At Dubai International Airport (DXB), parking fees can be paid in several ways:

• QR Code: Scan the QR code printed on your parking ticket and complete the payment online.
• Automatic Pay Stations: Use the automatic payment machines available in the airport parking facilities before returning to your vehicle.
• Salik: Parking fees can also be paid through your Salik account. If you have sufficient balance and have not paid the parking fee in advance, the amount will be automatically deducted from your Salik account when you exit the car park.

The Scan, Pay and Go option also supports Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay when paying through the QR code on the parking ticket.

Tip: If you are using a rental car, make sure the parking fee is settled before leaving the car park to avoid any additional charges.

Dubai Airport Facilities

Dubai is one of the most modern and well-equipped cities in the world, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) is no exception. The airport offers a wide range of facilities and services designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Some of the main facilities at Dubai International Airport include:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Banks and ATMs
• Car rental offices
• Lost and Found offices
• Numerous restaurants and cafés across all three terminals
• 24-hour shops and retail stores
• Medical services
• Fitness and sports facilities
• Restrooms and shower facilities
• Massage and spa services
• Mother-and-child rooms
• Smoking rooms and designated smoking areas
• Currency exchange offices
• Parking facilities
• Meeting and conference facilities
• Prayer rooms
• Children’s play areas

Dubai Airport Car Rental

Renting a car at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the most convenient ways to explore Dubai and its surrounding areas. With a rental car, you can travel comfortably from the airport to popular destinations such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach, and Abu Dhabi without relying on taxis or public transportation.

For travelers looking for a Dubai Airport car rental, Rentifa offers a convenient way to compare and rent a wide range of vehicles. Customers can choose from different car models based on their budget, number of passengers, luggage capacity, and travel needs.

Why Choose Rentifa for Dubai Airport Car Rental?

Rentifa offers affordable Dubai Airport car rental with a simple and convenient booking process. Enjoy competitive prices, free airport delivery, and no deposit, with a wide range of cars to choose from.

Book your car with Rentifa and enjoy a convenient, flexible, and hassle-free car rental experience at Dubai International Airport.

Book the latest and most suitable cars through Rentifa’s online reservation system and enjoy a memorable trip.

Simply click on Rent a Car in Dubai to choose and reserve your preferred vehicle.