By Majorie van Leijen

Only six-seater taxis – the ‘vans’ – will now operate from Dubai Airport.

This was confirmed by Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) CEO Ahmed Al Hammadi, on the sidelines of the recently-concluded Gitex Technology Week.

In March this year, DTC launched the van-only service at Dubai Airport on a trial run.

No additional charges were included during this period.

However, after a successful trial period, the scheme has now become the official taxi policy for Dubai Airport.

While regular taxis are still available on request, the van taxi is the only vehicle available at the location,

besides the dedicated ladies-only taxis and the limousine taxi service.

Youssef Al Ali, CEO of the Public Transport Agency (PTA), explains: “Our experience is that most people come in groups of two or more, and they come with luggage. The van offers more space to these customers.”

What of the single passenger?

“Single passengers can ask for a regular taxi if they want one, but s/he will have to wait for 10-15 minutes for the taxi to arrive.

The vans are always parked available at the airport,” said Ali.

Now that the scheme has been made official, a price difference has also come into play.

In general, the difference between a family taxi fare and a regular taxi fare is 15fils, once the taxi has reached one km.

For a distance of 30km, a family taxi would cost the customer Dh56, while a regular taxi ride would cost Dh52.

"We have not seen any request for a regular taxi at the airport so far," says Ali.

"I would rather have the option," says Lisa Alberta, a frequent Canadian traveller in Dubai.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.