After a hiatus spanning several years, Dubai is gearing up to revive the construction of a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, signaling a strategic move to accommodate an anticipated surge in visitor numbers.
The approval for the terminal’s designs, granted by the Emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscores a significant milestone in Dubai’s ambitious aviation infrastructure development plans.
With an estimated investment of 128 billion dirhams ($34.8 billion), as stated by the Dubai government, the construction of the new terminal heralds a new era of growth and expansion for Al Maktoum International Airport. Renowned for hosting the biennial Dubai Air Show and serving as a hub for cargo planes and private jets, the airport is expected to further solidify its position as a key player in the global aviation industry.
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“Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the world’s largest capacity, reaching up to 260 million passengers,” said Sheik Mohamed. “It will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, and all operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to it in the coming years. The airport will accommodate 400 aircraft gates and feature five parallel runways.”
He added that new aviation technologies will be employed for the first time in the aviation sector.
Introducing our future home – Al Maktoum International Airport.
At five times the size of @DXB, Al Maktoum International Airport will be able to accommodate 260 million passengers per year, with five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates.
Thanks to the visionary leadership of… pic.twitter.com/alW2PkoNk4
— Emirates (@emirates) April 28, 2024
Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, revealed in an interview that Dubai Airports is strategically positioning itself to incentivize more airlines to transition their operations to the new terminal in the coming years. This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at capitalizing on the resurgence of air travel and positioning Dubai as a premier long-haul transit hub.
Dubai, renowned as one of the world’s busiest long-haul transit hubs, has witnessed a remarkable surge in air traffic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This surge can be attributed to an increase in visitor footfall and a revival in long-haul connecting flights. Emirates, the city’s flagship carrier, reported record half-year profits extending through September 2023 and has been advocating for the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport to accommodate its ambitious growth plans and expanding fleet.
Construction work on Dubai’s Al Maktoum airport was halted in 2019 amidst economic challenges in the Gulf region. However, with the recent approval for the terminal’s designs, the project is set to regain momentum.
“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors,” Sheik Mohammed said.
“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn. Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global center.”
In a recent development, Dubai International (DXB) airport faced unprecedented challenges during a torrential rainstorm, marking the most disruptive weather event in its 63-year history.
Griffiths disclosed that approximately 2,155 flights were canceled during the deluge, representing the highest number of cancellations on record.
However, normal operations were restored at DXB by Monday, April 20, following a concerted effort to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions.