Dubai approves new airport fee for improvements

Travellers flying out of Dubai's airports will pay a new fee to cover improvements at the long-haul hub, the city-state's crown prince announced Wednesday, as Gulf countries grapple with low oil prices. Passengers departing from Dubai will pay a AED35 (US$9.50) service fee for flights leaving after June 30 that have been booked since March 1. That includes most passengers transiting through Dubai International Airport, though children under 2 will be exempt. The fee will go toward expansion projects like Dubai International Airport's new Concourse D, the expansion of the airport's Terminal 2 and the renovation of Terminal 1. The city is also expanding Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, with hopes of one day transferring all Emirates airline flights there. <br/>