Dubai Airports Guide
Dubai is served by two major international airports, both offering world-class facilities and excellent connectivity to the city and surrounding areas.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
DXB
Location: 5 km east of Dubai, 15 minutes from city center
Best for: International flights, business travelers, transit passengers
Transport: Dubai Metro (Red Line), taxis, buses, airport shuttle
Airlines: Emirates, flydubai, major international carriers
Terminals: Terminal 1 (International), Terminal 2 (Regional), Terminal 3 (Emirates)
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC
Location: Jebel Ali, 35 km southwest of Dubai city center
Best for: Cargo operations, budget airlines, future expansion
Transport: Taxis, buses, rental cars (metro connection planned)
Airlines: flydubai, Wizz Air, some international carriers
Note: Currently handles fewer passenger flights than DXB
Airlines That Fly to Dubai
Dubai is a major global aviation hub served by numerous airlines from around the world. Here are the key carriers:
Major International Airlines
- Emirates (Flagship carrier with extensive global network)
- flydubai (Dubai-based low-cost carrier)
- Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi-based, serves Dubai market)
- Qatar Airways (Extensive connections via Doha)
- British Airways (Multiple daily flights from London)
- Lufthansa (Connections from European hubs)
- Turkish Airlines (Extensive network via Istanbul)
Regional and Budget Airlines
- Air Arabia (Middle East and North Africa focus)
- IndiGo (Connections from Indian cities)
- SpiceJet (Indian budget carrier)
- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (European and regional routes)
- Saudia (Connections across Saudi Arabia)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Flights
Which Dubai airport is better for international travelers?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary airport for international travelers, with better facilities, more flight options, and direct metro access to the city.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Dubai?
June through August typically offer the lowest airfares to Dubai, as these are the hottest months with fewer tourists.
How early should I arrive at Dubai airports for international flights?
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. During peak travel seasons, consider 4 hours for extra buffer time.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Dubai from the US?
Emirates offers direct flights from several US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. Other airlines typically have one-stop connections.
Is Dubai International Airport good for layovers?
Yes, DXB is excellent for layovers with numerous amenities including hotels, showers, lounges, and the Dubai Connect service for eligible Emirates passengers with long connections.
What is the difference between Emirates and flydubai?
Emirates is a full-service premium airline with wide-body aircraft, while flydubai is a low-cost carrier focusing on regional routes with single-aisle aircraft. They have a partnership allowing coordinated travel.