Why Is Dubai Airport Called DXB?

By Alice Nichols

Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for travel between Europe, Asia, and Africa. You may have noticed that it is commonly referred to as DXB, but have you ever wondered why? In this article, we will explore the origins of this airport code and its significance.

What is an airport code?

Before delving into DXB, it’s important to understand what an airport code is. An airport code is a unique three-letter identifier assigned to airports around the world by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These codes are used in flight schedules, tickets, baggage tags, and other similar documents to identify specific airports quickly and accurately.

The origin of DXB

The origin of DXB lies in Dubai’s former name, which was Dubai International Airport. The airport opened in 1960 with a single runway and was initially called Dubai International Airport.

When it was time to assign an IATA code to the airport, the logical choice would have been DIA. However, there was already an existing airport with that code – Dhahran International Airport in Saudi Arabia.

To avoid confusion with Dhahran International Airport, Dubai International Airport chose the next available three-letter combination that would represent their city’s name – DXB. The letter X was added because IATA codes starting with X were reserved for locations that didn’t fit into any other category.

DXB Today

Today, DXB has grown significantly since its inception in 1960. It now boasts three terminals spread across a vast area of land and serves more than 88 million passengers annually. Additionally, it has become a hub for Emirates Airlines – one of the leading airlines in the world.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Dubai International Airport is called DXB because it represents Dubai’s name and was the next available three-letter combination after DIA was already taken. It’s fascinating to think that a simple three-letter code can represent a bustling airport and city, but it’s an essential part of modern air travel. Next time you see DXB on your ticket or baggage tag, you’ll know the story behind it.