Dubai South and DWC cargo guideDubai South and DWC, built for cargo.
Dubai South is the district around Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai's second airport, built for cargo and next to Jebel Ali. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, explains how freighter air cargo moves through DWC, what the Dubai South Logistics District offers, how free zone and mainland rules apply, and how DWC links with Jebel Ali Port for sea-air.
Dubai South at a glance
A planned city district built around a cargo-first airport, between Jebel Ali and Expo City Dubai.
- Airport
- Al Maktoum International, IATA code DWC
- Opened for cargo
- 2010
- Freighters
- Emirates SkyCargo freighter operations are based here
- Handlers
- dnata and Emirates SkyCargo terminals
- Logistics District
- Warehouses and forwarders next to the cargo terminals
- Expansion
- A new passenger terminal plan worth AED 128 billion was announced in April 2024
- Near
- Jebel Ali Port, JAFZA and Expo City Dubai
- Customs
- Dubai Customs
Using DWC for air cargo
What to know when your cargo flies through Al Maktoum International.
- 01
Heavy and outsize cargo often flies on freighters from DWC.
- 02
Forwarders and e-commerce hubs keep stock next to the cargo terminals.
- 03
Cargo arriving by sea at Jebel Ali can be trucked to DWC to fly on.
- 04
Link with DXB
Cargo moves by road between DWC and Dubai International when airlines use DXB.
- 05
Check the airport
Confirm whether your airline uses DXB or DWC before delivering cargo.
- 06
Dubai plans to make DWC its main airport over the coming years.
Customs at DWC by route
Dubai Customs clears cargo at DWC. Warehouse zone status decides when duty is paid.
| Movement | What happens |
|---|---|
| Air import to the mainland | Dubai Customs declaration, duty and VAT |
| Air import to a free zone company | Transfer in bond to the free zone |
| Export by air | Export declaration and terminal acceptance |
| Sea-air transit | Transit from Jebel Ali to DWC, then re-export by air |
Check whether a Dubai South warehouse is in the free zone or on the mainland before you store goods there.
DWC or DXB: which airport for cargo
Both airports handle cargo, but in different ways.
| Point | Al Maktoum International (DWC) | Dubai International (DXB) |
|---|---|---|
| Main cargo type | Freighters | Belly cargo on passenger flights |
| Handlers | dnata, Emirates SkyCargo | dnata, Emirates SkyCargo |
| Near | Jebel Ali Port and its free zone | DAFZA and the city |
| Good for | Heavy, outsize and sea-air cargo | Express and frequent departures |
| Linked by | Road | Road |
Dubai South and DWC questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsAsk about my cargoAl Maktoum International Airport uses the IATA code DWC. Its ICAO code is OMDW. Dubai International, the older airport in the city, is DXB. Check which airport your airline uses before you deliver or collect cargo, because freighters and passenger flights may use different airports.
- DWC stands for Dubai World Central.
- Both airports are run by Dubai Airports.
DWC was built mainly for cargo and freighters. Emirates SkyCargo freighter operations and large cargo terminals are based there, and the Logistics District sits beside them. Its location near Jebel Ali Port makes sea-air connections practical. Heavy or outsize cargo often flies from DWC on a freighter.
- Passenger belly cargo mostly uses DXB.
- Trucks link the two airports.
Cargo arrives by sea at Jebel Ali and flies on from Dubai. It moves under customs transit from the port to DWC or DXB, without paying UAE duty, then flies to its destination. Sea-air is cheaper than air all the way and faster than sea all the way, which suits Asia to Europe or Africa cargo.
- Plan the connection before the ship sails.
- Documents must match both legs.
Parts of Dubai South are free zone areas. Companies can hold a Dubai South free zone licence, and some warehouses operate under free zone rules, while other areas are mainland. Duty and VAT depend on the status of the warehouse and the company. Check both before you store or sell goods there.
- Free zone goods pay duty only on entering the mainland.
- We file the right declaration.