Dubai is poised to redefine global aviation as it moves forward with the construction of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest airport. The ambitious project includes a state-of-the-art passenger terminal at an estimated cost of $35 billion (approximately 128 billion AED), making it one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in aviation history.
Once fully operational, the airport will be capable of handling 260 million passengers annually, which is five times the capacity of the current Dubai International Airport (DXB). The mega-terminal will feature 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, offering unprecedented operational efficiency and scalability for the coming decades.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler, emphasized the broader vision for the project: the airport will serve as a global hub for generations to come, creating a fully integrated city with employment and housing for up to one million people. The development is expected to attract businesses, tourism, and international investments, further establishing Dubai as a global aviation and logistics powerhouse.
The transition from the existing Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International is planned over the next decade, with full operations anticipated by 2032. Experts believe that this mega-airport will not only handle air traffic at an unprecedented scale but also redefine passenger experience and airport infrastructure standards worldwide.
Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport stands as a testament to the city’s visionary planning and ambition to remain at the forefront of global connectivity, offering a blueprint for the future of aviation and urban development.
