Cheap Flights to Dubai Al Maktoum International (DWC) from South Africa

Overview: Al Maktoum International Airport, known by its code DWC and as Dubai World Central, is Dubai's second international airport, in the Dubai South district around 37 kilometres south-west of the city. It is served today mainly by a smaller number of low-cost and charter airlines, while most flights from South Africa use Dubai's main airport, DXB. This page explains what Al Maktoum International is, how it differs from Dubai International, which airlines use it, how to reach the city and how to book affordable flights to Dubai with Travelwings, whichever airport you fly into.

What Is Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport?

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also called Dubai World Central, opened to passenger flights in 2013 and sits in Jebel Ali, in the planned residential, commercial and logistics district of Dubai South, about 37 kilometres south-west of central Dubai. It is a modern, calm and uncrowded airport, a contrast to the scale and bustle of Dubai International.

DWC is at the heart of one of the world's most ambitious aviation projects. A major expansion is under way to transform it into Dubai's principal airport over the coming years, with the first phase due to open in the early 2030s and an eventual capacity of well over 150 million passengers a year. For now, however, passenger numbers remain modest relative to that vision, and the airport handles a limited number of routes alongside a large cargo operation.

How Is Al Maktoum Different from Dubai International?

The two airports serve Dubai in quite different ways at present, and the distinction matters when you book. Dubai International (DXB) is the main hub, close to the city and used by Emirates and most full-service airlines, while Al Maktoum International (DWC) is further out and currently used mainly by low-cost and charter carriers. The key points to keep in mind are these:

• Location - DWC is around 37 kilometres south-west of central Dubai in Dubai South, while DXB sits much closer to the city. The two airports are roughly 60 to 65 kilometres apart.
• Airlines - Most major carriers, including Emirates, operate from DXB. A smaller number of low-cost and charter airlines use DWC, so which airport you fly into depends on your airline and route.
• Atmosphere - DWC is quieter, more compact and quick to move through, with short walks from check-in to the gate, whereas DXB is one of the busiest airports in the world.
• Check the code - Because the airports are far apart, always confirm whether your ticket says DWC or DXB so you arrive at the right one and plan your transfer accordingly.

Which Airlines Fly to Al Maktoum International?

Al Maktoum International is currently used by a smaller and changing group of airlines, mainly low-cost and charter carriers, along with a substantial cargo operation. Because most full-service airlines, including Emirates, operate from Dubai International, travellers from South Africa will usually route through DXB or connect via another hub rather than fly directly into DWC. Airline use of Al Maktoum changes as the airport expands, so the most reliable approach is to compare the current options for your dates and check which Dubai airport each flight uses before you book. The team at Travelwings can help you weigh up the routings and find the best fare, whichever airport your journey involves.

What Traveller Flexibility Does Emirates Offer for Dubai Travel?

Emirates operates primarily from Dubai International rather than Al Maktoum, but it remains the leading choice for many travellers heading to Dubai, and it has introduced a set of measures aimed at giving customers more flexibility and greater peace of mind. If you are comparing your options for Dubai and considering Emirates, these are worth knowing about.

• Free date changes to Dubai - On eligible fares, customers travelling to Dubai can change their travel dates free of charge, from the more affordable fares through to the more flexible ones, in both Economy and Business Class. Any applicable difference in fare may still apply, but the change fee itself is waived on qualifying Dubai bookings.
• One free date change across the network - For travel elsewhere on the Emirates network, customers receive one free date change, including on journeys connecting through Dubai, subject to the applicable conditions and any difference in fare. Emirates also lets you hold a fare for 24 hours at no charge while you finalise your plans.
• Reduced refund fees on eligible fares - Emirates has substantially reduced its refund fees on eligible fares for flights to Dubai, so you can adjust or step away from a booking with a smaller penalty than before. This is a reduction in fees rather than a free refund, and the amount depends on your fare type.
• Comprehensive Travel Cover - Emirates offers an industry-first insurance product whose benefits include cover for trip cancellation, baggage delay and loss, medical expenses and emergency evacuation, along with added conflict cover and a free trip extension of up to 30 days. It can be purchased when you book or added to an existing booking through Manage Booking.
• More rewards for eligible Skywards members - Eligible Emirates Skywards members can benefit from additional rewards, reaching the next tier sooner through reduced tier requirements and earning bonus Tier Miles and Skywards Miles on qualifying Emirates and flydubai flights. Eligibility conditions apply.

These measures make Emirates a flexible choice for Dubai travel, particularly for travellers who value the freedom to adjust their plans. Eligibility, fare conditions and the finer details vary by fare type and can change, so confirm the current terms that apply to your booking at the time of booking.

How Long Is the Flight from South Africa to Dubai?

The journey time depends on your departure city and whether you fly direct. A non-stop flight from Johannesburg to Dubai takes around eight hours, while a non-stop flight from Cape Town takes roughly nine hours. From Durban and other cities, most routings involve a connection through Johannesburg or a hub such as Doha or Addis Ababa, which lengthens the trip but can lower the fare. These times apply to the journey to Dubai generally; whether you land at DXB or DWC depends on your airline. Dubai is only two hours ahead of South Africa, so there is little to no jet lag on arrival.

How Do You Get from Al Maktoum Airport to the City?

Because Al Maktoum sits some distance from central Dubai, it is worth planning your onward transfer before you arrive. A taxi or a private transfer is the quickest and most convenient option, reaching most parts of the city in around 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and your destination. For public transport, the F55 bus links the airport to the nearest metro station, from where the Dubai Metro Red Line runs into the city, though this route takes considerably longer than a taxi. Dubai Airports also operates a shuttle service between DWC and DXB for anyone connecting between the two. Car hire is available at the airport as well. Given the distance, arranging a transfer in advance is the easiest way to reach your hotel smoothly.

How Do You Book Cheap Flights to Dubai Al Maktoum with Travelwings?

Booking with Travelwings is simple. Search and compare fares to Dubai on our website, check which airport each flight uses, and book securely online, or speak to the team for help finding the best option for your dates and budget. Call +27 12 006 0002 or email sa.care@travelwings.com to book or to ask about fares, routings and which Dubai airport your flight uses. The team can compare direct and one-stop options, advise on transfers and help with group bookings for families or friends. For a broader look at flying to the emirate, our cheap flights to Dubai from South Africa cover the airlines, journey times and best booking times in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions: Flights to Dubai Al Maktoum International

1. Where is Al Maktoum International Airport?

Al Maktoum International (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, is in Jebel Ali in the Dubai South district, around 37 kilometres south-west of central Dubai. It is roughly 60 to 65 kilometres from Dubai International Airport.

2. What is the difference between DWC and DXB?

DXB, Dubai International, is the main hub close to the city and used by Emirates and most full-service airlines. DWC, Al Maktoum International, is further out in Dubai South and currently used mainly by low-cost and charter carriers. Always check which one your ticket shows.

3. Which airlines fly to Al Maktoum International?

DWC is served by a smaller, changing group of mainly low-cost and charter airlines, plus a large cargo operation. Most major carriers, including Emirates, use DXB, so compare the current options and check the airport for your dates.

4. How do I get from Al Maktoum Airport to the city?

A taxi or private transfer reaches most of Dubai in around 35 to 45 minutes. Public transport combines the F55 bus with the Dubai Metro but takes longer. Car hire is available, and a shuttle links DWC with DXB for connections.

5. How long is the flight from South Africa to Dubai?

Around eight hours non-stop from Johannesburg and roughly nine hours from Cape Town, with one-stop routings taking longer. Dubai is two hours ahead of South Africa, so there is little jet lag.

6. Is Al Maktoum far from the city centre?

Yes, it is further out than Dubai International, at around 37 kilometres south-west of central Dubai, so allow 35 to 45 minutes by taxi and plan your transfer in advance.

7. Will my flight land at DWC or DXB?

It depends on your airline. Most flights from South Africa route through Dubai International (DXB). A smaller number of low-cost and charter flights use Al Maktoum (DWC). Check the airport code on your ticket to be sure.

8. Do South Africans need a visa for Dubai?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and passport. Many visitors can obtain a UAE visa in advance or on arrival, but confirm the current requirements for your passport before you travel and ensure it has sufficient validity.

9. Is Al Maktoum becoming Dubai's main airport?

Yes, over the long term. A major expansion is under way to make DWC Dubai's principal airport, with the first phase due in the early 2030s. For now, though, most passenger flights still use Dubai International.

10. How do I book cheap flights to Dubai?

Compare fares on the Travelwings website and book online, or call +27 12 006 0002 or email sa.care@travelwings.com, and the team will help you find and book the best flight for your budget and dates, whichever Dubai airport it uses.