Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport will be the world’s largest, five times bigger than DXB
Dubai is set to redefine global air travel with the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport.
Located in Dubai South, this ambitious project will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport (DXB), eventually making it the largest airport in the world.
With a capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually, it will be a game-changer for aviation, logistics, and business.
As construction ramps up, Al Maktoum International Airport will play a vital role in shaping Dubai’s future, creating new job opportunities, and serving as the centrepiece of a new city designed around travel and trade.
Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport, and commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy.
Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the… pic.twitter.com/oG973DGRYX
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 28, 2024
But when will it be complete? How will it impact passengers and businesses?
HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Al Maktoum International Airport will be five times DXB’s size and the world’s largest airport when completed.
What is Al Maktoum International Airport?
Al Maktoum International Airport, also called Dubai World Central (DWC), is set to become the world’s largest airport.
Located in Dubai South, it will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and handle up to 260 million passengers per year.
What is the history of the airport?
Construction began in 2005 with the goal of building a major aviation hub in Jebel Ali, Dubai South.
It first opened in 2010 for cargo flights with just one runway. Passenger flights started in 2013.
The latest expansion plan, announced in 2024, aims to fully transform the airport into the world’s busiest.
What can we expect when it is completed?
The airport will span 70 square kilometres and feature five passenger terminals, five parallel runways, and over 400 aircraft gates.
It will replace DXB as Dubai’s primary airport, with all operations eventually shifting to Al Maktoum.
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A new city will also be built around the airport, with housing for one million people and dedicated zones for logistics, business, and aviation.
When will it be ready?
The first phase, which will accommodate 150 million passengers annually, is expected to be completed within 10 years.
The full project will likely take until the 2050s, according to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths.
How will it change Dubai?
The airport will drive economic growth by creating new jobs and business opportunities in aviation, logistics, and tourism.
It will also require major infrastructure developments, including an expanded Dubai Metro and new transport links to integrate the airport with the city.
Which destinations does Al Maktoum International Airport currently serve?
While still growing, the airport currently offers flights to major European and Middle Eastern destinations, including Copenhagen, Prague, Berlin, Milan, Amsterdam, Oslo, Zurich, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
Why is Al Maktoum International Airport important?
The airport is part of Dubai’s long-term vision to become the world’s top travel and trade hub.
Once complete, it will set a new global standard for aviation and support the UAE’s rapid expansion as a key player in international air travel.
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