Dubai to Build World's Largest Airport with $35 Billion Expansion

Dubai has announced plans for a massive $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which will transform it into the world's largest airport with a capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually. The project, set to be completed within the next 10 years, will replace Dubai International Airport as the city's primary aviation hub.

The expansion will cover an area of 70 square kilometers, making it five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport. It will feature a new passenger terminal with 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways, and state-of-the-art aviation technologies. The project is part of Dubai's broader initiative to construct a new city called Dubai South around the airport, which will include residential neighborhoods, hotels, exhibition centers, and logistics facilities.

Why this matters: The Al Maktoum International Airport expansion solidifies Dubai's position as a global aviation powerhouse and supports the city's long-term economic growth. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and attract leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths stated, "The development will solidify Dubai's position as a leading aviation hub, as the growth of Dubai has always been closely tied to the growth of its aviation infrastructure." The transition from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport will be gradual, with a year-long process to move the entire 120 million passenger operation.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will connect Al Maktoum International Airport to the Dubai Metro's Route 2020, providing easy access for passengers and residents in Dubai South. The expansion aims to reduce the project's carbon footprint by prioritizing efficient public transportation links and reducing reliance on private transport.

Dubai International Airport will continue to serve as the primary hub, meeting the needs of over 100 million passengers in the coming years as the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion progresses. Griffiths noted that once Al Maktoum International Airport reaches full capacity, there will be "no business case" to keep both airports operational, suggesting that Dubai International Airport may eventually close.

Key Takeaways

• Dubai plans $35B expansion of Al Maktoum Airport, making it world's largest
• New airport to have 400 gates, 5 runways, and handle 260M passengers annually
• Expansion part of Dubai South project, integrating airport with residential, logistics
• Dubai International Airport to remain primary hub until Al Maktoum reaches capacity
• Al Maktoum expansion solidifies Dubai's position as global aviation powerhouse