Dubai International Airport plans to shift its operations to Al Maktoum International Airport in the coming decade, in a project valued at €32.55bn, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced.
The new airport at Al Maktoum International Airport, planned to become the world’s largest with a capacity for 260m passengers, will feature a distinctive terminal inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, five parallel runways, and 400 aircraft gates. It will be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport, with operations set to be transferred to Al Maktoum International Airport in the future.
The move aims to ensure continuous development for future generations and position Dubai as a global centre, encompassing the world’s airport, port, and urban hub.
Dubai International Airport saw a surge with 86.9m passengers in 2023 post-pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, putting pressure on its capacity and prompting the need for a strategic transition to Al Maktoum International Airport.
The financial stability of Emirates airline has been a pivotal measure of the global aviation industry and Dubai’s economy, with the rebound post-pandemic highlighting resilience and growth in tourism and real estate sectors.
While previous economic challenges delayed the airport move, plans are underway to design a comprehensive city around the airport in Dubai South, anticipating housing demand for a million people and attracting global companies in logistics and air transport sectors.
Designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport were announced on Sunday April 28, with construction set to begin at a cost of AED128bn/€32.55bn as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy.
Sheikh Mohammad said: “as we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors. We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn. Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global centre.
