Dubai International Airport (DXB) isn’t just one of the world’s busiest airports—it’s a global gateway. Terminal 1, often overshadowed by the glitz of Terminal 3 (home to Emirates), plays a crucial role in connecting over 60 international airlines with passengers from across six continents.
Whether you’re a first-time flyer or a frequent globetrotter, understanding the layout, services, and transit options at Terminal 1 can make your travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Having flown through Terminal 1 multiple times over the past five years, including during post-pandemic peak travel and the 2024 summer rush, I’ve gained valuable firsthand insight into what travelers can expect and how to optimize their experience.
Overview of Dubai Airport Terminal 1
Quick Facts (2025 Update)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 2000 |
| Airlines | 60+ International Airlines (excluding Emirates and flydubai) |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 20 million+ |
| Gates | 29 gates (Concourse D) |
| Notable Airlines | Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Qatar Airways |
| Transit Connections | Linked to Terminals 2 & 3 via automated train and shuttle buses |
| Lounges | 10+ including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Ahlan Business Class Lounge |
Layout & Navigation: What to Expect
Terminal 1 is connected to Concourse D, which handles all international flights for Terminal 1 airlines. After check-in and immigration, a short train ride transports passengers to Concourse D.
Key Zones:
- Departure Hall (Check-in counters A–K): Spacious and clearly labeled; security usually moves quickly outside peak hours.
- Immigration: Efficient, especially with smart gates for GCC residents and e-passport holders.
- Concourse D: A modern concourse with duty-free shopping, lounges, restaurants, and boarding gates.
🔍 Personal Tip: If you’re flying in the evening (6 PM–12 AM), arrive at least 3 hours early—this is when Terminal 1 experiences its peak traffic.
Airlines Operating from Terminal 1
Here are some notable airlines using Terminal 1 as of 2025:
- British Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Lufthansa
- KLM
- Air France
- Turkish Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Singapore Airlines
➡️ Emirates and flydubai fly out of Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 respectively.
Facilities & Services at Terminal 1
1. Lounges
Terminal 1 offers premium lounges for both business and economy class travelers (with paid access).
Top Lounges:
- British Airways Lounge (for BA Business/First Class passengers)
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge
- Ahlan Business Class Lounge (accessible via LoungeBuddy or Priority Pass)
💡 Insider Tip: The Ahlan Lounge offers à la carte dining, showers, and nap pods—ideal during long layovers.
2. Dining & Food Options
From fast food to fine dining, Terminal 1’s Concourse D has over 20 restaurants and cafes, including:
- Giraffe World Kitchen
- The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
- Costa Coffee
- McDonald’s
🧳 Personal Experience: During a long layover to Frankfurt, I enjoyed an excellent breakfast at Giraffe, which offers vegetarian and kids’ options too.
3. Duty-Free Shopping
Dubai Duty-Free at Terminal 1 is extensive, with competitive pricing on:
- Perfumes & cosmetics
- Electronics
- Confectionery & alcohol
- Luxury brands (Gucci, Rolex, etc.)
🎁 Pro Tip: Keep your boarding pass handy—you’ll often receive instant discounts or raffle entries.
4. Wi-Fi & Connectivity
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Power sockets and USB ports are available near most gates and lounges.
📱 Tip: Use the “DXB Airport” app for real-time flight info, wayfinding, and shopping discounts.
Immigration & Security
Smart Gates for Faster Entry
- Eligibility: UAE citizens, GCC nationals, and select international e-passport holders.
- These gates can cut your immigration time from 30 minutes to under 5 minutes.
Security Checkpoints
- Modern, efficient, and well-managed.
- Laptops and liquids are still required to be separated.
✈️ Travel Hack: Morning flights (before 10 AM) usually have shorter immigration and security queues.
Transportation to and from Terminal 1
Metro
- Red Line (Dubai Metro) connects directly to Terminal 1.
- Operational from 5 AM to midnight (till 1 AM on weekends).
Taxis
- Readily available outside the arrivals area.
- Fares to Downtown Dubai: AED 50–70 (~$13–19 USD)
Ride-hailing Apps
- Careem and Uber are available.
- Use the designated pick-up points near Arrivals.
🚌 Shuttle Services: Free inter-terminal shuttles run every 15–20 minutes between Terminal 1, 2, and 3.
Accessibility Features
Terminal 1 is well-equipped for passengers with reduced mobility:
- Dedicated check-in desks
- Priority immigration and security
- Wheelchair assistance (book through your airline)
- Accessible restrooms and elevators
🎧 For travelers with hearing or vision impairments, staff are trained in basic support and signage is clearly marked in both English and Arabic.
FAQs About Dubai Airport Terminal 1
Q: Is Terminal 1 only for international flights?
A: Yes, Terminal 1 handles only international flights from non-Emirates airlines.
Q: Can I sleep at Terminal 1 overnight?
A: Yes. While there’s no dedicated sleep pod area, lounges like Ahlan offer rest zones. Seating around Gate D12 is relatively quiet and dimly lit.
Q: How long does it take to transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3?
A: Approximately 15–25 minutes via shuttle or train (including wait times).
Q: Are there COVID-19-related protocols in 2025?
A: As of July 2025, there are no testing or mask mandates at Dubai Airport. However, hygiene stations and optional mask areas remain available.
Actionable Tips for a Smoother Experience
✅ Download the DXB App for maps, gate alerts, and deals.
✅ Check Terminal Information on your ticket—some codeshare flights may depart from Terminal 3 instead.
✅ Use Smart Gates if eligible to skip immigration queues.
✅ Buy duty-free at arrival if you’re transiting through the UAE.
✅ Arrive 3 hours before your flight during peak seasons (summer, holidays).
Final Thoughts: A Terminal That Delivers
Terminal 1 may not have the grandeur of Terminal 3, but it’s efficient, modern, and traveler-friendly. With excellent dining, smooth immigration, and a diverse mix of international airlines, it offers everything a smart traveler needs.
As someone who’s passed through Terminal 1 both during calm and chaotic seasons, I can confidently say that preparation makes all the difference. Knowing what to expect—especially in terms of layout, transportation, and services—can turn a stressful layover into a relaxed journey.
Got Questions or Want to Share Your Experience?
Have you recently flown through Terminal 1 at Dubai Airport? Drop your questions, comments, or tips below—I’d love to hear from fellow travelers and help out where I can.
My name is Tuhin, the founder of Royal Dubai Travel, a premier travel agency in Dubai dedicated to crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With a deep passion for tourism and years of expertise in the industry, Tuhin specializes in curating personalized tours, luxury experiences, and hassle-free travel solutions for visitors to Dubai. Whether you’re looking for desert adventures, city explorations, or VIP travel services, Royal Dubai Travel ensures a seamless and memorable journey.
For travel inquiries and expert recommendations, connect with Tuhin and explore the best of Dubai with confidence!
