By Alexander Cornwell www.gulfnews.com
Abu Dhabi: Airlines operating out of Dubai International are unlikely to shift operations to Al Maktoum International next year during runway repairs, a top aviation executive has said.
Dubai International airport is scheduled for important maintenance repairs next year during the busy May to June summer European season. The repairs will shutdown one runway and decrease the airport’s capacity by 22 per cent.
Whilst Emirates and flydubai, as the largest operators at Dubai International, could take the brunt of either shifting or downsizing their operations, John Swift, Director of NATS Middle East, said a lot of carriers are not enthusiastic about the move because they are “established in the international airport” and that airlines with connecting passengers could be disrupted if other airlines didn’t shift.
Formerly National Air Traffic Services, NATS is the main air navigation service provider in the United Kingdom including to Heathrow airport and was involved in the airspace mapping for Al Maktoum International. More info
