Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Progresses as Next Major Aviation Hub Takes Shape
Dubai: Work on the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing in line with the approved timeline, with Phase 1 expected to become operational in 2032.
Contracts worth Dh13 billion are currently under execution, with more than 10 million work hours completed over the past 15 months, according to a post on X by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday.
Strategic project contracts worth more than Dh55 billion are expected to be awarded in the coming months, marking the next major phase in Dubai’s plan to develop what is set to become the world’s largest airport by passenger capacity.
The airport is designed to handle more than 260 million passengers annually, supporting Dubai’s long-term economic growth and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
Dubai’s Next Aviation Hub
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, is a key pillar of Dubai’s long-term transport and economic strategy. The emirate is preparing for a gradual transition of major passenger operations from Dubai International Airport as DXB approaches full capacity.
Dubai International Airport is expected to reach a maximum capacity of around 115 million passengers by 2031, while Al Maktoum International Airport is projected to handle about 124 million passengers in its initial major operating phase before expanding further toward full capacity.
The expansion will provide Dubai with a significantly larger aviation platform at a time when passenger traffic, cargo volumes, tourism, and business travel continue to grow across the UAE.
What the Airport Will Include
Once fully completed, Al Maktoum International Airport will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, providing Dubai with the capacity to meet long-term demand from airlines, passengers, cargo operators, and logistics companies.
The development spans around 70 square kilometres in Dubai South, making it approximately five times larger than Dubai International Airport.
The wider district is being designed as a major aerospace and economic hub, integrating aviation, logistics, residential communities, and commercial activity in one of Dubai’s fastest-growing development zones.
Why the 2032 Timeline Matters
The 2032 launch of Phase 1 at Al Maktoum International Airport is significant as it will help define how Dubai’s airport network functions over the next decade.
Dubai International Airport remains the emirate’s primary passenger hub, while Al Maktoum International Airport currently handles cargo operations, executive aviation, charter services, and limited passenger flights.
The expansion is intended to position Dubai for the next phase of global travel demand, adding larger terminal capacity, increased aircraft handling capability, and future-ready systems designed to enhance passenger flow and efficiency.
Bigger Role for Dubai South
The airport’s location in Dubai South also gives the project a broader economic impact beyond aviation, supporting the development of a wider logistics and commercial ecosystem around the airport.
The area is being developed to support businesses, residents, and logistics operators, with the airport expected to serve as the anchor for a new growth corridor in Dubai over the coming decades.
Plans to extend Dubai Metro connectivity to Al Maktoum International Airport are also part of the broader strategy to position DWC as Dubai’s primary airport in the future.
Airlines Prepare for Long-Term Shift
flydubai is expected to be among the first carriers to relocate operations to Al Maktoum International Airport as Dubai International Airport approaches capacity limits.
Emirates Airline currently operates an average of 1,500 weekly departures from Dubai International Airport and around 70 weekly freighter departures from DWC, reflecting the dual-airport model Dubai is expected to expand in the coming years.
