Dubai Airport installs 520 hearing loops at DXB for accessibility boost
Technology integrated across terminals for travellers with hearing loss
DUBAI – Dubai Airports, operator of the world’s busiest international airport, has completed the installation of more than 520 hearing loops across Dubai International (DXB).
This landmark achievement marks the world’s largest deployment of the technology, aimed at improving accessibility for travellers with hearing loss, including those using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
The initiative highlights DXB’s ambition to be recognised as the most inclusive airport worldwide.
Key locations
The new systems have been integrated at essential points across all three terminals, including check-in counters, immigration desks, boarding gates, and information desks. The technology enables users to connect automatically by switching on the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting on their device, requiring no pairing or additional equipment.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said: “At Dubai Airports, we are committed to ensuring that every guest, regardless of ability, can navigate our terminals with ease, dignity, and confidence. The successful installation of over 520 Hearing Loops across DXB is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our oneDXB airport community, including all our strategic partners and airlines, whose unified effort is making our shared vision of a more seamless and accessible travel experience a reality for all."
Partner collaboration
The rollout was completed in close collaboration with Dubai Airports’ oneDXB partners, including Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi Company, and Dubai Duty Free.
Universal Design Code
Aligned with Dubai’s Universal Design Code, which requires inclusive access in public spaces and transport, the installation was delivered with minimal disruption to operations. To enhance the rollout, frontline employees also received specialist training to assist guests of determination.
With more than 1.5 billion people globally living with some degree of hearing loss – a figure projected by the World Health Organisation to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050 – the adoption of accessible communication systems is increasingly vital across international transport hubs. Dubai Airports’ long-term accessibility strategy combines infrastructure upgrades with employee training to ensure every guest feels supported at every stage of their journey, from kerb to gate.