Super-sized for a super-jumbo: Dubai opens new airport concourse specially designed for the Airbus A380


  • Airbus A380 super-aircraft is so large some airports have to be adjusted to accommodate it
  • 20-gate concourse is part of a wider $7.8bn expansion plan for Dubai Airport as it sets to be world's busiest by 2015
  • New Concourse A lounges comes complete with business centres, showcase kitchens and a spa

    • A giant new concourse specially-built for Airbus A380 super-jumbos is now fully open in Dubai after weeks of phased-in operations.
    The world's biggest passenger aircraft is a double-decker that seats 525 people and is so large some airports have to be adjusted to accommodate it.
    The 20-gate concourse, which hosted its inaugural flight on January 2, is part of a wider $7.8 billion expansion plan for Dubai's international airport, which seeks to become the world's busiest by 2015.

    Dubai's airport authorities say the purpose-build concourse for Airbus' A380 aircraft is fully open after weeks of phased-in operations
    Finally set: Dubai's airport authorities say the purpose-build concourse for Airbus' A380 aircraft is fully open after weeks of phased-in operations
    Breaking it in: Passengers walk past bars, restaurants and shops in the new purpose-built concourse at Dubai Airport

    Breaking it in: Passengers walk past bars, restaurants and shops in the new purpose-built concourse at Dubai Airport
    The Concourse A extension features 20 gates which are designed to accommodate the Airbus A380 with boarding gates leading directly into the aircraft's upper and main decks

    Gigantic: The Concourse A extension features 20 gates which are designed to accommodate the Airbus A380 with boarding gates leading directly into the aircraft's upper and main decks


    The new concourse, formally unveiled on Sunday, is also a boost for the European Airbus consortium in its rivalry with Boeing Co, whose 787 has been grounded since mid-January as investigators examine possible problems in its lithium ion batteries.
    The Dubai-based carrier Emirates currently flies 31 A380s and has 59 on order.
    During the first month of operations following its inaugural flight on January 2, Concourse A has handled 461,972 pieces of luggage carried on over 2,450 flights serving 589,234 passengers.




    Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airlines, said: 'The full opening of Concourse A is a significant milestone and achievement in supporting and enabling the continued growth of Emirates, and our focus and commitment to being a leader in offering our customers innovative products and services that provides them with an unsurpassed travel experience.
    'With a current fleet of 31 A380s and a further 59 on order, Emirates is the largest operator of this aircraft in the world, and it is only fitting that we have a world class facility that meets this need and represents our leadership in this regard.
    Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: 'Much like the opening of Terminal 3 in 2008, the phase in of Concourse A has resulted in the seamless introduction of world-class infrastructure that responds to the rapid growth of Emirates and caters to the needs of its discerning and truly global customer base.

    Polished off: A cleaner makes the final touches to ensure that Concourse A is ready to take on the millions of travellers Dubai Airport hope is going to help make it the world's busiest airport

    Passengers wait to board an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft at the new Concourse A

    Emirates cabin attendants prepare the inside an Airbus A380 aircraft for a flight at the new Concourse A

    An Airbus A 380 owned by Emirates airlines in parking position at a gate

    An Emirates Airline Airbus A380 is pulled back from the jet bridges at a gate at Concourse A from Terminal 3 for taking off at Dubai International Airport, in Dubai


    An Emirates Airline Airbus A380 is pulled back from the jet bridges at a gate at Concourse A from Terminal 3 for taking off at Dubai International Airport, in Dubai
    'Concourse A is a vital element of our 7.8 billion investment in the continued expansion of Dubai International which will see it become the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic by the end of 2015.'
    Concourse A is part of the Terminal 3 complex built for the use of Emirates, from where its passengers can travel to its network of 21 A380 destinations.
    With 11 floors and a total built-up area of 528,000 sqm, Concourse A is connected to Concourse B and Terminal 3 via an underground train.


    The lounges, which extend the entire length of the concourse, are the largest in the world and offer customers fine dining with showcase kitchens, conference rooms, business centres and a Timeless Spa


    Passengers wait to board an Airbus A380 plane at the transit gate of the Concourse A from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport

    A first class seat, complete with a desk and reading lamps, is seen in an Airbus A380 parked

    Passengers shop in the duty-free shop of the new Concourse A of Dubai airport in Dubai

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