Dubai has completed a successful pilot for its City Terminal Project, cutting passenger travel times from at least two hours to about 45 minutes by streamlining airport procedures.
DUBAI: Dubai has successfully tested its innovative City Terminal Project, reducing passenger processing and transfer times by approximately 60 per cent. The trial demonstrated how travellers could complete airport formalities, including passport control, before reaching the airport.
The results were revealed during the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum, held alongside Airport Show 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), confirmed that the pilot reduced overall journey times from a minimum of 120 minutes to approximately 45 minutes.
How does Dubai’s City Terminal work?
The City Terminal concept allows travellers to complete essential airport procedures at designated locations within Dubai, rather than waiting until they reach airport terminals.
During the trial, passengers completed check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening and passport control outside the airport.
Secure vehicles then transported passengers directly to the airport concourse, eliminating several conventional airport procedures.
Unlike existing city check-in services, the project aims to move almost the entire pre-departure process outside airport premises.
Dubai cuts passenger journey times by 60%
The pilot demonstrated significant improvements in travel efficiency, reducing overall processing and transfer times by approximately 75 minutes.
Al Shamsi explained that the initiative could fundamentally change how airports operate by moving essential procedures closer to passengers.
The project also explores artificial intelligence, biometric identification and digital technology to create more efficient airport experiences.
When will City Terminal open to passengers?
Dubai approved the City Terminal initiative under its Dubai 10X programme in January 2026.
However, authorities have not confirmed its public launch date, terminal locations or participating airlines.
The successful trial represents an important development in Dubai’s plans to modernise airport operations, although the service is not yet publicly available.
