Dubai Airport Terminal 1
Dubai Airport Terminal 1 is a large and important terminal that handles millions of passengers every year. It has a total area of about 520,000 square meters, with a built-up space of nearly 123,000 square meters.
The terminal is built across three floors (not including the roof) and measures around 502 meters long and 125 meters wide. With 221 check-in counters, Terminal 1 is designed to serve over 20 million travelers annually, making it one of the busiest parts of Dubai International Airport.
Location
Terminal 1 is one of the main terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB). It is located in the Al Garhoud area, close to Airport Road (D89) and is easy to reach from all parts of Dubai.
Location Highlights:
- Area: Located in the Al Garhoud district, near Deira and close to Dubai’s city center.
- Metro Access: You can get there easily via the Dubai Metro Red Line. The nearest stop is Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station, just a short walk away.
- Distance from Downtown: Only 5 km (about 3 miles) from Downtown Dubai and around 15 minutes by car from Burj Khalifa.
Arrivals
Arriving at Terminal 1 is smooth and well-organized. After landing, passengers go through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. There are signs in English and Arabic to help you find your way. You’ll also find currency exchange, SIM card shops, and transportation options like taxis, metro, and car rentals right after the arrival area.
Departure
Terminal 1 is designed to make departures quick and easy. Passengers can check in at spacious counters, then move to passport control and security. The terminal offers plenty of duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges to relax before your flight. Make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight for a smooth departure process.
Terminal 1 Levels
Dubai Airport Terminal 1 is spread across three main levels, each designed for a specific part of the passenger journey:
| Level | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Departures | Airline check-in counters, self-service kiosks, shops, food court, and 1-hour free Wi-Fi. |
| Level 2 | Arrivals | Baggage claim area and access to transportation. Porters are available to assist with luggage. |
| Level 3 | Services & Retail | Additional shopping, passenger services, and concessions. Ideal for last-minute needs or relaxation. |
| Concourse D | Boarding Gates | Connected by train after check-in. Features 23 gates, various lounges, and food & retail outlets. |
Restaurants
Dubai Airport Terminal 1 isn’t just about flights—it also offers a variety of dining options for every taste and budget. With over 15 restaurants and cafés, travelers can enjoy everything from fast food and coffee to Asian, Middle Eastern, and gourmet meals.
Shopping at Terminal 1
Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport is home to 17 retail shops, offering a mix of duty-free outlets, luxury brands, and travel essentials. From perfumes, electronics, and fashion to souvenirs and snacks, there’s plenty to browse while you wait for your flight.
Lounges
Terminal 1 features 5 lounges, offering comfort, privacy, and premium services for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re flying first class or just want a quiet space to relax, there’s something for everyone:
Marhaba Lounge:
Open to all travelers, regardless of airline or class. A comfortable space with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Sleep ’n fly Sleep & Showers:
Ideal for short naps, showers, or even overnight rest between flights.
Be Relax:
A wellness lounge offering massages, spa treatments, and beauty services.
Ahlan First Class Lounge:
A premium lounge for first-class passengers whose airlines do not have their own lounge.
Unaccompanied Minor’s Lounge:
A secure and comfortable space dedicated to young travelers flying alone.
These lounges make long layovers or early arrivals much more comfortable.
Parking at Terminal 1
Terminal 1 offers convenient parking options for both short and long stays. Whether you’re dropping someone off or leaving your car while you travel, you’ll find premium and economy parking within walking distance of the terminal.
Car Rental
Need a ride after landing? Terminal 1 has several trusted car rental companies available right at the arrivals area. Whether you need a compact car, SUV, or luxury vehicle, you’ll find flexible options to suit your trip.
Available car rental providers:
- Yelo Car Rental
- Autostrad
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Europcar
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
Services
Dubai Airport Terminal 1 offers a full range of services to make your airport experience smooth, convenient, and comfortable. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or in transit, you’ll find everything you need within reach.
Banking & Currency Exchange
- Currency Exchange Counters
- Al Ansari Exchange
- Travelex
Passenger Assistance
- Emirates Ticketing
- Dnata Assisted Passenger Services
- Dnata Ticket Sales
- Demoshield (Baggage Wrapping)
- Saudi German Hospital (Emergency & Medical Support)
- Baby Care Rooms
- Emergency & First Aid Facilities
- Information Desks across the terminal
Telecommunication Services
- Etisalat
- Du
- Virgin Mobile
Other Useful Services
- Free High-Speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Prayer Rooms for men and women
- Smoking Lounges
- Luggage Trolleys
- Porter Services
- Lost & Found
- Wheelchair Assistance (on request)
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Terminal 1 ensures all essential needs are covered before takeoff or after landing.
Hotel
For travelers with long layovers or early flights, Dubai International Airport offers an on-site hotel with direct access from Terminal 1.
Located inside Terminal 1 (and also available in Terminal 3), Dubai International Hotel provides 5-star comfort without leaving the airport. It’s perfect for transit passengers looking for rest, privacy, and convenience.
The hotel offers:
- Spacious rooms and suites
- Hourly and overnight stay options
- Access to showers, spa, and business services
- No need to clear immigration for check-in
To check room rates, availability, or to book online, visit: 👉 www.dubaiairporthotel.com
📞 Contact: +971 4 224 5555
Airlines
There are 91 airlines operating from Dubai International Airport Terminal 1.
| # | Airline Name | Code | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aegean Airlines | A3 | aegeanair.com |
| 2 | Aeroflot Russian Airlines | AFL | aeroflot.ru |
| 3 | Air Algerie | DAH | airalgerie.dz |
| 4 | Air Astana | KZR | airastana.com |
| 5 | Air Baltic | BT | airbaltic.com |
| 6 | Air Blue | ABQ | airblue.com |
| 7 | Air China | CCA | airchina.com |
| 8 | Air France | AFR | airfrance.ae |
| 9 | Air India | AIC | airindia.com |
| 10 | Air Peace | APK | flyairpeace.com |
| 11 | Air Sial | SIF | airsial.com |
| 12 | Arkia Airlines | AIZ | arkia.co.il |
| 13 | Azerbaijan Airlines | AHY | azal.az |
| 14 | Batik Air | OD | batikair.com.my |
| 15 | Belavia Airlines | BRU | en.belavia.by |
| 16 | Biman Bangladesh Airlines | BBC | biman-airlines.com |
| 17 | British Airways | BAW | britishairways.com |
| 18 | Cathay Pacific | CPA | cathaypacific.com |
| 19 | CEBU Pacific Air | CEB | cebupacificair.com |
| 20 | Chanchangi Airlines | NCH | chanchangi-airlines.com |
| 21 | China Eastern Airlines | CES | global.ceair.com |
| 22 | China Southern Airlines | CSN | csair.com |
| 23 | Condor | DE | condor.com |
| 24 | Cyprus Airways | CY | cyprusairways.com |
| 25 | Delta Air Lines | DAL | delta.com |
| 26 | Drukair | KB | drukair.com.bt |
| 27 | Egypt Air | MSR | egyptair.com |
| 28 | EL AL | ELY | ir.elal.com |
| 29 | Equatorial Congo Airlines | PTI | fly-ecair.com |
| 30 | Ethiopian Airlines | ETH | ethiopianairlines.com |
| 31 | Eurowings | EW | eurowings.com |
| 32 | Finnair | FIN | finnair.com |
| 33 | FitsAir | EXV | fitsair.com |
| 34 | Fly Baghdad Airlines | IF | |
| 35 | Flyadeal | FAD | flyadeal.com |
| 36 | FlyNas | KNE | flynas.com |
| 37 | FLYONE | 5F | flyone.eu |
| 38 | Go First | GOW | flygofirst.com |
| 39 | Gulf Air | GFA | gulfair.com |
| 40 | Hainan Airlines | HU | hainanairlines.com |
| 41 | IndiGo | IGO | book.goindigo.in |
| 42 | Iran Air | IRA | iaa.ir |
| 43 | Israir Air | ISR | israir.co.il |
| 44 | ITA Airways | AZ | ita-airways.com |
| 45 | Jazeera Airways | JZR | jazeeraairways.com |
| 46 | Jet Airways | JAI | jetairways.com |
| 47 | Kenya Airways | KQA | kenya-airways.com |
| 48 | KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines | KLM | klm.com |
| 49 | Korean Airlines | KAL | koreanair.com |
| 50 | Kuwait Airways | KAC | kuwaitairways.com |
| 51 | Libyan Airlines | LAA | libyanairlines.aero |
| 52 | Lot Polish | LOT | lot.com |
| 53 | Lufthansa | DLH | lufthansa.com |
| 54 | Lux Air | LGL | luxair.lu |
| 55 | Mahan Air | IRM | mahan.aero |
| 56 | Malaysia Airlines | MAS | malaysiaairlines.com |
| 57 | Middle East Airlines | MEA | mea.com.lb |
| 58 | Oman Air | OMA | omanair.com |
| 59 | Pakistan International Airlines | PIA | piac.com.pk |
| 60 | Pegasus Airlines | PGT | flypgs.com |
| 61 | Philippine Airlines | PAL | philippineairlines.com |
| 62 | Royal Air Maroc | RAM | royalairmaroc.com |
| 63 | Royal Brunei Airlines | RBA | flyroyalbrunei.com |
| 64 | Royal Jordanian | RJA | rj.com |
| 65 | S7 Airlines | SBI | s7.ru |
| 66 | Safi Airways | SFW | safiairways.com |
| 67 | Saudi Arabian Airlines | SVA | saudia.com |
| 68 | Serene Air | SEP | sereneair.com |
| 69 | Shaheen Air International | SAI | shaheenair.com |
| 70 | Sichuan Airlines | CSC | sichuanair.com |
| 71 | Singapore Airlines | SIA | singaporeair.com |
| 72 | Smartwings | TVS | smartwings.com |
| 73 | Spice Jet | SEJ | spicejet.com |
| 74 | Srilankan Airlines | ALK | srilankan.com |
| 75 | Sun Express | SXS | sunexpress.com |
| 76 | Swiss International Air Lines | SWR | swiss.com |
| 77 | Syrian Arab Airlines | SYR | syriaair.com |
| 78 | TAAG Angola Airlines | DTA | taag.com |
| 79 | Tarom | ROT | tarom.ro |
| 80 | Thai Airways | THA | thaiairways.com |
| 81 | Transavia France | TO | transavia.com |
| 82 | Tunis Air | TAR | tunisair.com |
| 83 | Turkish Airlines | THY | turkishairlines.com |
| 84 | Uganda Airlines | UGD | ugandairlines.com |
| 85 | Ukraine International Airlines | AUI | flyuia.com |
| 86 | US-Bangla Airlines | UBG | usbair.com |
| 87 | Ural Airlines | SVR | uralairlines.ru |
| 88 | Uzbekistan Airways | UZB | uzairways.com |
| 89 | Virgin Atlantic Airways | VS | virgin-atlantic.com |
| 90 | Vistara | VTI | airvistara.com |
| 91 | Yemenia -Yemen Airways | IYE | yemenia.com |
Q: Can you shower at Dubai Airport Terminal 1?
A: Yes, showers are available at Terminal 1. You can use them in certain lounges like the Sleep ‘n Fly Lounge near the D-Gates. These are mainly for transit passengers. A small extra fee is required, and you can request access when you arrive. It’s a good option if you want to freshen up during a layover.