Al Maktoum Airport (DWC): Private Jet in Dubai, FBOs and Rules

In Dubai, a private jet lands either at Al Maktoum International (DWC / OMDW), in Jebel Ali, or at Dubai International (DXB / OMDB), close to the city centre. DWC operates 24/7 with a 4,500 m runway and five FBOs. DXB, coordinated at level 3, only accepts a business flight with a slot and a landing permission, requested through one of the two designated FBOs, ExecuJet and Jet Aviation. IBC Aviation, with an office in Dubai and a presence in Fujairah, chooses the airport flight by flight, based on timing, length of stay and final destination in the emirate.

DWC and DXB side by side

DXB: two FBOs, a slot and a permission

The general aviation conditions of use published by Dubai Airports are clear. No operator may fly to or from DXB without prior schedule clearance from the slot coordinator, Airport Coordination Limited, and landing permission from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. The request does not come from the operator itself but from its FBO: more than 24 hours before the flight, to the coordinator on weekdays; within 24 hours or outside its hours, to the airport's operations control centre.

Only two FBOs are designated for general aviation at DXB: ExecuJet and Jet Aviation. An aircraft parked outside the apron assigned to its FBO pays the commercial parking rate plus a 20% surcharge, with no free period. For a code F VIP airliner, the request must go in at least 72 hours before arrival.

The 24-hour rule

This is the rule that most often decides the choice. An aircraft of code C to F, meaning a wingspan of 24 metres or more, that stays on the ground at DXB for more than 24 hours must be towed to its FBO's apron as soon as practicable; if towing is not possible within 24 hours of arrival, the aircraft must be relocated to Al Maktoum. Most long-range business jets, such as the Falcon 7X or the Global 6000, fall into code C.

For a same-day return, DXB therefore remains an option if a slot is free. For a stay of several days, we generally favour a direct arrival at DWC, which avoids a repositioning halfway through the visit.

Al Maktoum: five FBOs on an aerospace hub

DWC has five private terminals. DC Aviation Al-Futtaim runs two hangars of 5,700 and 7,500 m2, 13,000 m2 of ramp and a lounge of more than 1,300 m2, with customs, immigration and security around the clock. ExecuJet describes a 15,000 m2 facility over three levels, with private suites, a spa, a cigar lounge, a boardroom and a 7,000 m2 hangar. Jetex states 24-hour operation and customs; Jet Aviation and Falcon Aviation complete the list.

The offer keeps growing. On 11 September 2025, Dubai South launched the "VIP Terminal Boulevard" at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub: a 769 m frontage, 16 buildings and 204,000 m2 for Falcon Aviation, Jetex and Jet Aviation, delivered in phases from 2026. Alongside it, the expansion programme approved in April 2024 plans five parallel runways and 400 gates in the long run; our article on the future of Al Maktoum sets out the timeline.

Routes and rates from Dubai

London, Geneva, Paris, Riyadh, the Maldives and Bangkok are the one-way examples published on our pricing page; Doha and Mumbai give the category's hourly rate, with estimated flight times that vary with the aircraft and the winds.

Which aircraft from Dubai

Both airports accept every aircraft type. To Europe, the distance calls for a heavy jet at the very least, and an ultra long range jet adds margin against headwinds. For Riyadh, Doha or Muscat, a light jet is often enough. The airport choice then follows the aircraft's wingspan and the length of the stay, because of DXB's 24-hour rule.

IBC Aviation in Dubai

Our Dubai office, supported by our presence in Fujairah, arranges flights to or from the Emirates: choice between DWC and DXB, slot request through the FBO, landing permission and transfers. The city's routes and prices are on our page on private jet charter in Dubai, and our page on Fujairah Airport covers the other gateway to the Emirates.

• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Available 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Can private jets land at Dubai International (DXB)?

Yes, with a slot from the coordinator and landing permission from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, requested through one of the two designated FBOs, ExecuJet or Jet Aviation.

Why do private jets often use Al Maktoum (DWC)?

DWC operates 24/7 under a facilitation regime, with five FBOs. At DXB, coordinated at level 3, an aircraft of code C to F that stays on the ground for more than 24 hours must return to its FBO's apron or be relocated to DWC.

Which FBOs operate at Al Maktoum Airport?

Five: DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, ExecuJet, Jetex, Jet Aviation and Falcon Aviation.

How long is the runway at Al Maktoum?

4,500 m by 60 m, certified for CAT IIIB, which allows every aircraft type to use it.

How long is a private jet flight from Dubai to London?

About 6h45 non-stop, in a heavy jet at least.