Dubai’s new airport ready for take-off

Dubai Airports has moved a step closer to the opening of Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International after the new airport passed a series of operational tests conducted during its first ‘live’ flight at the weekend.

Emirates Flight EK9883, a Boeing 777 freighter operating Hong Kong-Dubai, touched down on Sunday.

Phase 1 of the airport will feature one A380 capable runway, 64 remote stands, one cargo terminal with annual capacity for 250,000 tonnes of cargo and a passenger terminal building designed to accommodate five million passengers per year.

When completed, Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International will be the largest airport in the world with five runways, four terminal buildings and capacity for 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo.

The facility opens initially for cargo carriers, with passenger operations currently slated to start up at the end of March 2011

During the live operation, the flight effectively tested Air Traffic Control procedures, airfield and taxi way signage and routes, radio communication and a host of processes and procedures related to ground and cargo handling, fuelling, catering, customs, immigration and security.

Cargo operations at the new airport will launch on June 27.