All About The New Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai, renowned for its forward-thinking and innovative ethos, has embarked on an ambitious airport endeavor aimed at establishing the world’s largest capacity airport upon its completion, as announced by its ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Recent government approvals have paved the way for the development of new passenger terminals at the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport. Sheikh Mohammed envisions this project not merely as an airport but as a comprehensive city within Dubai South, describing it as the “world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and a new global center.”
The Al Maktoum International Airport initiative, with an estimated cost of AED 128 billion (approximately $34.85 billion or nearly Rs 2.9 lakh crore), is a strategic endeavor led by the Dubai Aviation Corporation.
The forthcoming terminal is slated to be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport and designed to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually. Over the next decade, operations at Dubai International Airport will gradually transition to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Featuring five parallel runways and space for 400 terminal or aircraft gates, the new airport will integrate cutting-edge aviation technologies and host leading global companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.
The project extends beyond aviation infrastructure, as it will spur the development of an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, generating demand for housing for a million people.
Upon completion, Al Maktoum International Airport will serve as the primary hub for flagship carrier Emirates and its low-cost affiliate Flydubai, alongside all airline partners connecting Dubai to global destinations, according to Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
This endeavor is envisioned to ensure a sustainable and progressive future for generations to come, as emphasized by Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, hailed the initiative, stating that it “further solidifies Dubai’s position as a leading aviation hub on the world stage,” as reported by the Dubai Media Office.