Dubai Airport Bridge Expansion to Increase Capacity

Dubai – August 25, 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Dubai Airports, has awarded a contract to widen and upgrade the bridge leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport. The project responds to the continued growth in passenger numbers. Notably, the airport handled more than 92 million travelers in 2024.

Project Details

The expansion will add a fourth lane to the existing bridge, increasing its capacity from 4,200 to 5,600 vehicles per hour—a 33% rise. The bridge, including its ramps, measures 171 meters in length. The main span extends nearly 70 meters.

General view of the bridge expansion works leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport — An overview image showing the bridge location before and after expansion as part of efforts to improve traffic flow at Dubai International Airport

The design relies on a system of steel box girders combined with a composite concrete slab. This engineering solution was chosen for its efficiency and quick delivery. Importantly, the method allows construction without traffic diversions on Airport Street. It also avoids the need for temporary supports beneath the bridge, ensuring continuous traffic flow.

Official Statements

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the project includes more than the bridge expansion. It will also deliver road pavement upgrades, infrastructure service improvements, landscaping works, and new street lighting to enhance safety. This will integrate the bridge with its surroundings.

Close-up view of the bridge leading to Dubai International Airport highlighting the new lanes — Details showing how an additional lane is added to the bridge to boost traffic capacity by 33%

Al Tayer added that the expansion forms part of a wider plan. The goal is to strengthen Dubai’s transport corridors, improve mobility for residents and visitors, and reinforce the city’s role as a global hub for travel and international events.

Expected Impact

Once complete, the project is expected to reduce travel times during peak hours. It will increase road safety and improve connectivity between Dubai International Airport and the city’s main transport arteries.

Aerial shot of the ongoing expansion works on Dubai International Airport bridge

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This article covers the expansion of Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1 bridge, where the visual material highlights structural clarity. This is achieved through steel box girders and composite concrete, complemented by upgraded paving, lighting, and landscaping. While the engineering dimension is strongly articulated, the architectural layer appears underexplored. This leaves questions on how the spatial dynamics and guest experience integrate with the airport’s broader identity. Nevertheless, the project demonstrates a forward-looking value, offering improved traffic efficiency and sustainable connectivity within one of Dubai’s most critical transport corridors.

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