Dubai: Currently, 50 taxis are dedicated for Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central, or DWC). Since Dubai International Airport (DXB) is transferring 30 per cent of its air traffic to Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be moving 170 more taxis to the new airport to serve the passengers. Al Maktoum International Airport will have a dedicated fleet of 220 taxis serving 24 hours. Dubai Airport will continue to be served with its regular fleet of taxis.

When the RTA received information about the shifting of air traffic from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport, it carried out a survey to identify the travel pattern of passengers and the locations they visit. It found that most passengers prefer using the Metro and travel to areas located around Metro stations, so it decided to strengthen the existing feeder route that connects DWC Dubai Metro (F55). There are also connecting bus routes from Ibn Battuta – F43 to Discovery Gardens and Route 8 to the Central Business District.

All standard-sized baggage that is allowed on Dubai Metro will also be allowed on buses servicing DWC.

The RTA has increased the frequency of buses servicing DWC every hour to 20 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during non-peak hours.

As well as the Dubai Airports shuttle service between the two airports, the RTA will provide emergency buses if needed and it is monitoring the situation closely.

— Shafaat Shahbandari, Staff Reporter