Operational Insights for General Aviation Operators at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC, ICAO: OMDW), also known as Dubai World Central, is an international airport located in Jebel Ali, 37 kilometers (23 miles) southwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Officially opened on June 27, 2010, it forms the centerpiece of Dubai South, a strategically planned residential, commercial, and logistics hub designed to support United Arab Emirates‘s growing aviation and business needs.

 

DWC is the recommended airport for general aviation (GA) operations in Dubai due to its 24-hour status as an Airport of Entry (AOE) and its comprehensive options for private and business aviation. The airport features Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), full GA support services, reliable fueling options, and flexible credit arrangements, making it a preferred choice for operators.

 

In 2023, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) handled approximately 1.6 million passengers, reflecting a 24% growth from the previous year, driven by increased low-cost carrier operations. By 2030, DWC is projected to manage around 11% of Dubai’s total passenger traffic as part of the Dubai Aviation Strategy.

Current Terminal Configuration of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

The airport’s terminal infrastructure is structured to support both current operations and future expansions:

• Passenger Capacity: The existing terminal is capable of handling up to 5 million passengers annually.
• Terminal Layout: The terminal complex is divided into three primary sections:
• Arrivals Building: Measuring 210 meters in length and 90 meters in width, this area is dedicated to incoming passengers and includes facilities such as baggage reclaim and customs.
• Departures Building: Identical in dimensions to the arrivals building, it serves departing passengers with amenities like check-in counters and security screening.
• Concourse: Larger than the arrivals and departures buildings, the concourse spans 255 meters in length and 120 meters in width. It houses boarding lounges, duty-free shopping areas, dining establishments, and other passenger services.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: The terminal is equipped with 24 boarding gates, seven baggage reclaim carousels, 104 check-in desks, and 2,542 parking spaces to efficiently manage passenger flow and aircraft operations.

 

In 2023, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) saw its top passenger traffic from Eastern Europe (35%), South Asia (25%), and the Middle East (20%). Cargo operations were dominated by the Asia-Pacific region (45%), followed by Europe (30%) and Africa (15%).

Runway Specifications and Operational Guidelines at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) features two asphalt runways designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft. Runway 12/30, with a length of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), is suitable for large and heavy aircraft operations and handles 60% of total operations. The secondary runway, 13/31, measuring 1,838 meters (6,030 feet), primarily caters to smaller aircraft and general aviation, accounting for 25% of operations. Additionally, Runway 6/24, which supports 15% of the total operations, is also utilized for various aircraft activities.

 

While DWC has flexibility and efficiency, operators should be aware of scheduled weekly runway closures. These closures occur every Monday from 1100Z to 1400Z and from 2000Z to 2045Z, during which time the airport is closed to all arrivals and departures.

Slot Management Guidelines for Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

While Prior Permission Required (PPR) is not necessary for operations to Dubai, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) requires airport slots for all arrivals and departures. It is important to note that slots are managed independently of landing permits, which is a good option for operators’ flexibility in planning their schedules.

 

At DWC, slot adherence is critical, with an allowable deviation window of +/- 5 minutes. Once a slot is approved, it is typically straightforward to request revisions or updates if the initial slot time is missed. However, due to high traffic volumes, DWC enforces stricter policies on slot changes. Operators should be aware that missing a slot or causing delays may result in fines, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the allocated schedule.

 

To ensure smooth operations, operators are advised to plan carefully and coordinate any required slot changes well in advance, keeping in mind the airport’s traffic dynamics and regulations. Just Aviation is available to assist with slot coordination and any necessary updates—feel free to check with the team for guidance and support.

Landing Permits and Documentation for Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Landing permits are mandatory for all operations to Dubai, including Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The official lead time for securing a permit is 4 business days, provided all required documentation is prepared and submitted. Essential documents include the aircraft’s airworthiness and registration certificates, worldwide insurance coverage, and crew credentials such as licenses and medical certificates.

Operators must ensure minimum liability insurance coverage of 250,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger. For aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 2,700 kg or less, the liability coverage minimum is reduced to 100,000 SDRs per passenger. Notably, Dubai does not require local business contact information or sponsor letters for permit issuance, and there are no Stage 2 noise restrictions currently in effect.

 

Landing permits are processed by the emirate handling the destination airport, with requests for Dubai handled by the emirate of Dubai. Standard processing occurs during regular business hours, Sunday through Thursday, from 0900 to 1700 local time. Permits typically have a validity of 72 hours but require revision if operations are planned earlier than the approved permit time.

 

Although the standard processing time is 4 days, permits are often approved within 24 hours, depending on traffic volume. Once approved, a confirmation number is issued, which must be included in Section 18 (Remarks) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plan.

Types of Charges at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

These structured charges ensure compliance with operational, security, and safety standards at Al Maktoum International Airport, supporting efficient management of GA operations:

1. Policing Charges

For general aviation (GA) operators whose flights or destinations are identified as being at significant or high risk, additional policing charges apply. These charges correspond to the cost of additional policing services required beyond the standard provisions for lower-risk operations.

2. Charges on Landing

• Applicability: Landing charges are applied for each aircraft landing and its subsequent takeoff. These are collected by the GA operator’s appointed FBO.
• Calculation: Landing charges are determined per the Schedule of Charges and based on the aircraft’s Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), as outlined in the MTOW certificate issued by the aircraft manufacturer or a competent civil aviation authority. Charges are calculated per tonne or part thereof.
• Missing MTOW Evidence: If the GA operator or FBO fails to provide MTOW documentation before the operation, the landing charges are calculated based on the maximum MTOW for the relevant aircraft type.

3. Charges on Parking

• FBO Parking Areas: Parking within the designated FBO parking area is subject to charges levied by the appointed FBO.
• Non-FBO Parking Areas: For parking at airside premises outside the designated FBO parking areas, charges are imposed by the airport and collected through the operator’s FBO, as per the Schedule of Charges.

4. Security Charges

• Security charges apply to every GA flight departing from DWC.
• Additional charges are levied for flights requiring enhanced security measures at the gate, as stipulated in the Schedule of Charges.

5. Fire Coverage Charge

A fire coverage charge is imposed whenever fire services are required to remain on standby during aircraft refueling. These charges are calculated in accordance with the Schedule of Charges.

 

For any inquiries related to charges or operational planning, feel free to contact Just Aviation for expert assistance.

Ground Handling Services at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Just Aviation ensures seamless and efficient ground handling and ramp services at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), providing a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of general aviation and business jet operators. These services include passenger handling, where skilled personnel manage check-in, boarding, and baggage handling with the support of advanced systems to enhance speed and accuracy.

 

Ramp handling services cover aircraft parking, pushback, and the use of specialized ground support equipment (GSE) for cargo loading, unloading, and refueling. Reliable fuel services, including Jet A and Avgas, are available to support various types of business aircraft.

 

Business jet operations at DWC are further enhanced with VIP handling services, which has an access to private lounges, streamlined customs and immigration processing, inflight catering, and personalized crew services. Through its expert coordination, Just Aviation guarantees that all ground handling needs at DWC are met with professionalism and efficiency.