As the conflict involving Iran persists, Dubai remains committed to its airport expansion agenda and is now formulating strategies to locate certain new airport facilities below ground as a safeguard against potential future drone or missile strikes.

Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul Griffiths disclosed that critical infrastructure like fuel storage tanks could be positioned underground at the site, with other zones possibly requiring enhanced reinforcement. He stated, "Some infrastructure will need a degree of hardening to withstand potential future attacks and improve its resilience." He added that the design phase is currently evaluating multiple options to bolster the airport's defense capabilities, with the underground fuel storage concept being one of them. "The core is weighing the probability of an attack, the potential consequences, and an acceptable level of risk."

He stressed that the multi-billion-dollar project, designed to handle up to 250 million passengers annually, will not be scaled back due to the war. This marks his first interview with a newspaper since the conflict erupted in late February.

"My conversation with my Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, about whether this event would alter our long-term strategy was the shortest I have ever had," he said, noting the answer was no. "Memories are short now, and the situation has stabilized," Griffiths remarked. "We expect a full recovery in passenger traffic by the first half of next year."

Over 50 airlines have already resumed flights, including Air France, while British Airways plans to restart its Dubai services when the winter flight schedule begins in October. Passenger numbers at Dubai airports dropped by a third in the first half of this year, but Griffiths indicated that traffic is now rebounding, and he anticipates the hub will reclaim its title as the world's busiest international airport next year.

Monthly passenger figures show a decline from 7.4 million in February to 2.5 million in March and 3.5 million in April, followed by a recovery to 4.5 million in May, 5 million in June, and 6.3 million in July. The airport, which is government-owned and does not publish financial statements, saw some carriers slower to return due to their redeployed aircraft being fully utilized on lucrative Europe-Asia routes. "DXB's traffic has recovered to 78% of pre-crisis levels, and the remaining 22% gap will be closed quickly," he added.