Aerial view of the Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the largest airport in the world upon completion. Photo Credit: X/@HHShkMohd
Dubai will be commencing construction of the new passenger terminal
at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which will be the world’s
largest airport upon completion.
At the cost of AED 128 billion (US$35 billion), the airport will be
five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, and will
be able to handle 260 million passengers annually.
Once completed, the airport will be the new home of flagship carrier
Emirates. It will also accommodate 400 aircraft gates and feature five
parallel runways, with new aviation technologies employed for the first
time in the aviation sector.
All operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to Al Maktoum International Airport over the coming years.
Dubai’s prime minister and vice president Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum said in a statement: “As we build an entire city around the
airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will
follow. 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, port, urban hub, and new
global centre.”
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed enthusiasm that the
new airport would help Dubai solidify its position as a leading aviation
hub, remarking: “The announcement of phase two of Dubai World Central -
Al Maktoum International Airport's (DWC) expansion marks the start of a
huge investment of resources by our many stakeholders in designing and
building a state-of-the-art airport that will provide a quick,
convenient, and high quality 21st century experience for our customers.