FIFA World Cup: Dubai’s DWC to operate up to 120 shuttle flights between Nov 20 and Dec 19

Dubai Airports is gearing up for a massive surge in passenger numbers at Dubai World Central (DWC) for the FIFA World Cup set to begin later this week.

Up to 120 match day shuttle flights, operated by Dubai carrier flydubai and Qatar Airways, will fly in and out of DWC everyday between November 20 and December 19, Dubai Airports said in a statement on Tuesday.

The flights will transport football fans to Doha to watch the game and return back to Dubai.

We are game-ready to ensure a seamless journey for fans travelling for the biggest sporting event of 2022 in Qatar! ​
Dubai World Central will operate up to 120 match-day flights between November 20 and December 19 for fans travelling to the region. pic.twitter.com/iMCK3CazOJ

— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) November 15, 2022

The terminal at DWC, which holds a capacity of 26.5 million passengers per annum, is already fully operational with airport services, food and beverage and retail outlets as well as Dubai duty free, serving existing charter operations by multiple international carriers, the statement said.

The launch of the match day shuttle flights and additional charter flights connected to the FIFA World Cup games are expected to increase passenger demand at DWC three-fold over the coming weeks, with passenger figures at the airport predicted to cross 494,000 in the last quarter of the year.

“A spike in demand of this magnitude would pose a challenge for any airport, but we have had some recent practice. In May-June this year, we orchestrated the almost flawless temporary relocation of more than 1,000 flights a week from Dubai International (DXB) to DWC for the 45-day long DXB northern runway rehabilitation project, while managing an exceptionally strong recovery throughout. The collaborative spirit within the airport community here in Dubai is strong and it will go into overdrive in the coming weeks to convert this challenge into a great opportunity,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

The operator said that it will be deploying a dedicated front-line team to facilitate efficient processing at every service touchpoint at DWC. More than 60 check-in counters, 21 boarding gates, 60 passport control counters (departures and arrivals) and 10 smart gates, and four baggage belts on arrivals will be operational throughout the period to cope with the anticipated surge in demand.

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA)’s dedicated bus service, that operates every 30 minutes between DWC and the Ibn Battuta Metro Station and Expo City Metro Station, will facilitate transport to the airport. RTA taxis will also be available, while travellers driving to DWC will be able to use the airport’s 2,500-vehicle capacity car park free-of-charge.

Dubai Airports has advised travellers flying on match day shuttle flights to check the health and other requirements with their respective airlines before arriving to the airport.

Passengers must hold a valid match ticket and the Hayya Card to board match day shuttle flights. The baggage allowance for passengers using the shuttle service is limited to hand luggage as per their class of travel, and no checked luggage will be accepted except wheelchairs and strollers.

In addition to the match day shuttle services, flydubai and Qatar Airways will be operating chartered flights to cater to the passenger demand for the FIFA World Cup matches.

Read: Flydubai opens booking for Doha flights, fares start from Dhs948