Effective 1 May, Dubai-based Emirates moved its main-deck freight hub from Dubai International (DXB) to the new Dubai World Central (DWC).
Dubai International has become one of the world’s busiest airports for both passengers and cargo, and the congestion is only going to increase as it closes first one, then its other runway for repairs this year. For Emirates, having its freighters operate from DWC while its huge belly cargo business remains at DXB is less than ideal, but the situation at DXB was not tenable, and Emirates had no choice but to split its cargo operation. However, the two airports are only about 50 km apart, and there is dedicated road feeder service between them.
Emirates cargo boss Nabil Sultan said: “Our freighter fleet today already accounts for 35% of Emirates SkyCargo’s revenue and the new terminal is at the core of our growth plans.” He added: “The new infrastructure also has a positive multiplier impact on Dubai as it will create a cargo corridor that connects the Jebel Ali port, DWC and Dubai International Airport.”
