A digital rendering of the planned entrance to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the world’s largest airport when completed.
dubai media office
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai’s leadership has approved a Dh128 billion (approximately $35 billion) plan to build a new passenger terminal at the emirate’s Al Maktoum International Airport. The terminal building will be five times the size of Dubai’s main international airport – and the largest in the world.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, said in a statement on Sunday: “Al Maktoum International Airport will have the largest capacity in the world, with passenger throughput of 260 million.
For reference, Dubai International Airport will handle 86.9 million passengers in 2023, ranking second in the world, second only to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta in the United States.
All operations at Dubai International Airport, currently the world’s second busiest by passenger traffic, will be transferred to Dubai International Airport in the coming years, the statement said, adding that the new airport will have 400 gates and five parallel runways. “New aviation technology will be used in aviation for the first time,” it added.
Dubai Media Office has shared digital renderings of the planned airport, which show futuristic images of vast airport infrastructure, massive terminals and space-age exterior designs.
The airport will be located in Dubai South, at the southern end of the UAE’s bustling commercial capital, where real estate and logistics developments are underway. Dubai’s ruler says an entirely new city will be built around the airport, which will create housing demand for one million people.
Dubai’s current main international airport is located at the northern tip of the emirate, meaning travelers’ traffic patterns and transportation plans are likely to change dramatically once the new tourism hub is fully operational.
Sheikh Maktoum said the new city around the airport “will welcome world-leading companies in logistics and air transport”. “We are building a new project to ensure continued and stable development for our children and grandchildren. Dubai will become the world’s airport, port, city hub and new global center.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chief executive of Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates, posted a photo on X of him working on new development plans with Dubai’s rulers.
“Al Maktoum International Airport will be the new home for @emirates, @flydubai and all aviation partners connecting the world to and from Dubai,” he wrote, referring to Emirates and its low-cost subsidiary FlyDubai.
“We are investing in delivering the best future travel experience, the best logistics capabilities in the world, and contributing to Dubai’s D33 economic agenda.”
A digital rendering of the planned appearance of Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the world’s largest airport when completed.
dubai media office
A digital rendering of the planned baggage claim area at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the largest in the world when completed.
dubai media office
Dubai’s D33 agenda aims to double the size of the city’s economy by 2033, attracting more investment, talent and economic diversification.
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Center (DWC), will cover an area of 27 square miles when completed. In addition to an estimated annual passenger throughput of 260 million, it also plans to have an annual cargo volume of 12 million tons.
Emirates CEO said the “first phase” of the plan is expected to be completed within 10 years and will be able to accommodate 150 million passengers per year.
About The Author
