Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, has revealed an ambitious plan to redesign airport experiences by creating eight smaller, intimate airports within the larger Al Maktoum International Airport. Speaking at the Skift Global Forum East, Griffiths expressed a desire to return to the “intimate” airport experience that first inspired his passion for the travel industry.
His vision for the airport involves compact check-in areas where passengers can seamlessly transition from their car or air taxi to a train that takes them directly to their designated terminal. The idea is to create a more personal and efficient experience, where travelers spend minimal time on processes and maximum time enjoying amenities such as shops and lounges.
“We want travelers to spend 1 hour and 58 minutes in the shops and restaurants and just 2 minutes on the process,” Griffiths said, emphasizing the importance of convenience and comfort.
Additionally, Griffiths unveiled a new app that will guide passengers digitally through the airport, offering real-time information about shops, services, and gates. He also called for a rethinking of traditional airport functions, such as baggage handling and security procedures, aiming to eliminate outdated processes and introduce a more streamlined, modern system.
Griffiths expressed his commitment to ensuring that airports make a lasting first impression, emphasizing that the airport experience is crucial in shaping visitors’ perception of a city. “If you want to create an impressionable city, it’s created at the airport,” he stated.
