Dubai is in the process of shifting airport operations from the current Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport within the next 10 years. Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the plan to develop Al Maktoum as the world’s largest airport, with a capacity of 260 million passengers. The project is expected to cost $35 billion and will feature five parallel runways, 400 aircraft gates, and new terminals. The shift is expected to streamline operations and accommodate the growing number of visitors to Dubai.
While Al Maktoum International Airport will become the primary hub and host the majority of operations, Dubai International Airport will continue to serve as the main airport for the next few years. The CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, stated that there is limited space for expansion at Dubai International Airport, necessitating the need for the development of a new mega airport at Al Maktoum International. Despite this shift, Dubai International Airport is projected to receive 88.8 million guests this year, close to its all-time high of 89.1 million passengers in 2018.
During the Skift Global Forum East, there was a call for infrastructure investment, including the development of a future mega airport. Dubai has closely tied its development to the growth of its aviation infrastructure, with Emirates Airline and flydubai making significant aircraft orders recently. Dubai also aims to attract 40 million hotel guests by 2031, with a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors in the previous year. The new airport will support the anticipated growth in Dubai’s aviation sector and align with the ambitious plans of major airlines in the region.
The need for a mega airport in Dubai comes as the city’s tourism industry continues to boom. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reported a record number of international visitors in the previous year, and the operator of Dubai’s airports expects passenger traffic to remain high. The new airport will play a crucial role in supporting the growth of Dubai’s aviation sector and catering to the increasing number of tourists and visitors to the city. With plans in place to develop Al Maktoum International Airport into the world’s largest airport, Dubai is positioning itself as a global aviation hub and urban center for the future.
