Wheels Up, Dubai! Al Maktoum International Airport Set To Soar With 400 Gates And 5 Runways

While the title of ‘World’s Best Airport’ keeps shifting between Singapore and Doha, it looks like Dubai is gearing up to give tough competition to the two countries.?

Construction commenced on a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai on Sunday. The ruler of the Gulf emirate declared it as "the world's largest" terminal, with an estimated cost of approximately $35 billion (equivalent to Rs 2.9 lakh crore).

"We approved the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport and (are) commencing construction of the building for AED 128 billion ($34.85 billion)," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates posted on X.

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5 Runaways, 400 Terminals - The Upgraded Dubai Airport Will Have The Capacity To Handle 260 Million Passengers Annually

According to the government announcement, upon full operation, the new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport will accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually.

The new airport will feature five parallel runways, capable of handling 260 million passengers and providing access to 400 aircraft gates.

Sheikh Mohammed characterized it as possessing "the world's largest capacity" and being "five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport," which ranks among the busiest air hubs globally.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates, said, "The initial phase of the project will be completed within a decade, with a capacity to serve 150 million passengers annually."

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A Game-Changer for Global Connectivity

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The CEO of Emirates further highlighted that the airport will become the primary hub for flagship carrier Emirates, its low-cost counterpart Flydubai, and all airline partners, facilitating global connections to and from Dubai.

Al Maktoum Airport, located on the outskirts of the city, has seen limited traffic since 2010. Authorities aim for it to supplant Dubai International Airport, which has a capacity of handling up to 120 million passengers annually but cannot expand further due to its central location within the city.

Tourism Boom In Dubai

In February, Dubai revealed its highest-ever tourism figures, reporting a record of 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Hotel occupancy averaged around 77%, indicating robust demand. Despite fluctuations, Dubai's real estate market continues to thrive, approaching historic peak values.

However, the surge in passenger numbers has once again strained the capacity of DXB, as it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and bordered by two major highways, limiting its ability to expand.

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About Al Maktoum International Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport, situated approximately 45 km (28 miles) away from DXB, commenced operations in 2010 with a single terminal. Throughout the pandemic, it functioned as a parking facility for Emirates' double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft. Gradually, it has resumed operations, handling cargo and private flights. Additionally, the airport serves as the venue for the biennial Dubai Air Show and possesses ample desert land for potential expansion.