The world’s busiest international airport, Dubai International Airport (DXB), will close operations and move to a new site in the coming years. According to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, all services will eventually shift to the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Major Transition to Al Maktoum International Airport
This significant relocation is part of a megaproject estimated to cost approximately £25.8 billion (Dhs 128 billion). Once completed, Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to have the capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually.
Timeline for Closure and Transition
The transition is projected to occur in 2032, coinciding with the anticipated maximum capacity of DXB. Griffiths mentioned at a recent airshow that DXB is expected to surpass 100 million passengers within the next two years, projecting 114 million by 2031.
The plan involves a complete relocation of all services from DXB to DWC once sufficient capacity is ready at the new airport. Griffiths pointed out the impracticality of operating two major airports within a 70-kilometer radius. Furthermore, he noted that many facilities at DXB would reach the end of their functional lifespan by that time, making its continued operation economically unfeasible.
Future Developments and Completion Dates
The total Al Maktoum project is not expected to reach completion until around 2057. By then, it will likely stand as the world’s largest airport, equipped to accommodate an extensive number of travelers.
The redevelopment plan for the current DXB site has yet to be officially confirmed, marking a significant period of transition for Dubai’s aviation landscape.
