Be it a trip for business or leisure, knowing how many airports are in Dubai is important. Wondering, why? That’s because it helps you to know what each of them offers. From managing transfers to understanding terminals and transport, this 2025 guide covers everything you need to travel smartly. This will also include how SafeDriverHub can support your airport transfer needs in Dubai.
Why Dubai is an Aviation Hub
Dubai’s location plays a big role in its global travel success. Being placed between major continents allows airlines to connect people from different parts of the world through Dubai. That’s why its airports welcome millions of passengers each year from many international destinations.
Nowadays, tourists and business travelers are choosing Dubai. The reason? Because Dubai keeps improving its airport infrastructure. This upgrade has turned the city into a highly competitive aviation market.
So if you’re wondering, how many airports are there in Dubai, let’s spill the beans for you. The city of Dubai has two airports namely: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum Airport.
Dubai International Airport (DXB):
This airport plays an important role in global travel. It is also known as DXB for short. Many people think, why does it stay crowded even outside peak season? Simple answer: this airport welcomed more than 92 million passengers in 2024. It also means that that numbers kept increasing in 2025.
Terminals and Operations
This biggest airport in Dubai operates through multiple terminals in order to manage flights as well as passenger movements. For example:
The terminal 1 mainly serves international airlines.
The terminal 2 handles regional flights and budget airlines.
The terminal 3 is used by Emirates and selected partner airlines.
Each terminal is designed to manage large passenger volumes while keeping travel smooth and organized.
Connectivity:
DXB or Dubai International Airport can handle direct flights to more than 270 destinations, through 100+ airlines. On top of this, it also serves as the central location for travel between Europe, Asia, and Africa. It stands to reason that this location has helped Dubai to become a popular stop for connecting flights.
Passenger, Cargo Experience:
Residents, travelers, and tourists appreciate DXB just because of its lounges, food options, and food options. On top of that, the faster passport checks and improved baggage systems help reduce waiting times and improve movement inside the airport. Cargo services are also important at DXB. Emirates SkyCargo moves large volumes of goods across the world and supports Dubai’s role in international trade.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC):
This airport, Al Maktoum, serves as Dubai’s second major airport. Talking about its history, passenger services began in 2013. Additionally, cargo activity started earlier. The Al Maktoum airport lies around 45 kilometers from downtown Dubai. It is located within the Dubai South district.
This airport welcomed more than 1.1 million passengers in 2024. This also made a noticeable increase. Future plans focus on large scale development and higher capacity. By 2032, DWC is expected to operate as Dubai’s primary airport, capable of handling more than 260 million passengers each year through advanced systems and multiple runways.
Main Differences Between DXB and DWC
Here is a simple comparison to help you understand how each airport serves travelers:
| Feature | DXB (Dubai International) | DWC (Al Maktoum International) |
| Location | Closer to city center | Dubai South, farther from central Dubai |
| Passenger Traffic | Very high (94–100 million projected) | Growing (over 1 million already) |
| Airlines | Emirates, flydubai + many global carriers | Regional flights and future international growth |
| Cargo Operations | Strong and established | Major cargo hub with expansion focus |
| Future Expansion | Limited by space | Planned to become world’s largest airport |
This comparison helps you decide which airport you’re likely to use based on your destination and airline choice.
Other Airfields, Domestic Airports, and Heliports
Dubai also has several smaller aviation facilities such as:
- Heliports for helicopter services
- Private airfields for corporate or private jets
These are not counted in the main airport tally but are useful for specialized travel or private charter services.
Essential Tips for Airport Transfers in Dubai
Making airport transfers smooth and stress‑free is one of the biggest travel pain points for visitors. Here are smart tips:
- Arrive at least 2–3 hours before international flights.
- If transferring between DXB and DWC, plan for traffic and distance.
- Use efficient local transport such as Dubai Metro, taxis, or ride‑hail apps.
- Book transfers in advance during peak travel seasons.
For a detailed guide on navigating transfers between DXB and Abu Dhabi airport — check this internal guide on How to Get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
And for all airport transfer details in Dubai, use this complete guide: Dubai Airport Transfers Guide 2025.
SafeDriverHub: Your Trusted Airport Transfer Partner
Traveling smoothly from Dubai’s busy airports to hotels, business centers, or tourist attractions is essential. That’s where SafeDriverHub comes in.
Whether you land at DXB or DWC, you can easily book professional drivers and comfortable transport through SafeDriverHub’s platform. It’s perfect if you want:
- Reliable airport pickups and drop‑offs
- Fixed pricing with no hidden charges
- English‑speaking professional drivers
- Comfortable and clean vehicles
- 24/7 service available
How Dubai’s Airports Matter for Tourists
These two airports play an important role in the commercial travel role of Dubai. For instance, tourists arrive in millions each year to attend not just events but also visit famous attractions. It means Dubai International airport specially handles a large number of travelers.
The airports also support business travel and global trade. Strong flight connections link Dubai to major business cities across different countries. Travelers flying for work, holidays, or connecting flights benefit from understanding how many airports are in Dubai.
Book with SafeDriverHub
Choosing safe driver services for your airport journeys is a smart move. You can hire a driver in dubai with SafeDriverHub in just a few steps. Here’s how:
- Visit our official website safedriverhub.com or contact us at +971502010445.
- Explore our diverse services with packages suiting your preferences.
- Enter all your booking details, including timelines and location.
- Confirm all the details and make the payment.
Conclusion
So we hope now you have got to know how many airports are in Dubai. Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) serve passengers and cargo. You also got to know that DXB is the busiest International airport in the world.
If you want smart travel and stress-free airport experiences, SafeDriverHub has got your back. We offer reliable Dubai airport transfers. Ride with us today and enjoy a journey you have been waiting for.
