Taxi fares will be slashed by 75 per cent for six weeks for passengers from Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport.

The discount deal announced by Dubai Taxi Corporation – which will be in force from April 16 until May 30 – comes as the airport prepares for a massive surge in visitors due to a temporary runway closure at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

A number of airline routes will be diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport while renovation work is carried out on the southern runway at Dubai International.

“Lifting passengers from Al Maktoum International Airport has become faster and cheaper now,” said Dr Yousef Mohammed Al Ali, chief executive of Dubai Taxi Corporation.

“During this period, passenger traffic at Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to rise by as much as 700 per cent.”

The starting price of taxis has been reduced by 75 per cent to Dh5 from Dh20 for passengers using DTC taxis.

“We have also introduced a shared taxi service at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will reduce the fare for arriving passengers,” said Dr Al Ali.

“It is now possible for more than one rider to share a taxi from Al Maktoum International Airport to multiple destinations.”

He said the move would reduce waiting times and costs for passengers.