Unveiling the Future: Al Maktoum International Airport’s $35bn Expansion

• The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is projected at Dh128 billion ($34.8 billion), making it the world's largest airport in capacity.

• Once complete, the airport will handle up to 260 million passengers annually and 12 million tonnes of cargo.

• It will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport and absorb all its operations within 10 years.

• The first phase of the airport is expected to be operational within 10 years, with a capacity for 150 million passengers.

• The expansion includes 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways, and state-of-the-art aviation technology.

• A full city development around the Dubai South Airport is planned to house a million residents.

• The airport will feature integrated transport options including metro, bus, and city air transport links.

• Sustainability is a focus, aiming to achieve LEED Gold Certification and mitigate environmental emissions.

• The expansion is part of Dubai's D33 economic agenda, expecting strong growth in tourism and aviation.

• The project will generate employment and housing for over a million people, enhancing Dubai’s global aviation and urban hub position.

Dubai is set to redefine global aviation standards with the $34.8 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. This ambitious project will elevate the airport to the world’s largest in terms of capacity, ready to accommodate 260 million passengers annually.

Scheduled for completion over the next decade, this expansion will make Al Maktoum International five times larger than the existing Dubai International Airport, which is already the world’s leader in international passenger traffic. The expansion is not just a growth in size but also an integration of cutting-edge technology and sustainability measures aimed at achieving LEED Gold Certification.

Key features of the expansion include five parallel runways, 400 aircraft gates, and a comprehensive transport hub that connects the airport with metro, bus, and city air transport. This development is expected to fully absorb the operations of Dubai International Airport within ten years, streamlining operations and enhancing passenger and cargo handling capabilities.

Moreover, the project extends beyond the airport itself. An entire city is planned to be built around the airport in Dubai South, destined to support a population of a million people. This aerotropolis will foster a significant number of new jobs and provide numerous residential options, becoming a catalyst for economic and urban development.

The airport’s expansion is a strategic component of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which forecasts substantial growth in the tourism and aviation sectors. The new facilities will not only cater to the heightened passenger and cargo capacity but also set new standards in the aviation industry with its innovative approach to operations and passenger experiences.

In addition to boosting Dubai’s tourism and economic sectors, the development aims to make a positive environmental impact. The project focuses on sustainable development, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship among global aviation facilities.

Al Maktoum International Airport’s expansion is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a forward-looking endeavour that promises to shape the future of global aviation and reinforce Dubai’s status as a leading international hub.