Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is set to take over all operations from Dubai International, gearing up to handle a jaw-dropping 260+ million passengers every year—making it the world’s largest airport by capacity.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has approved designs for the stunning new passenger terminal at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (AMI).
Once finished, Al Maktoum International is set to become the biggest airport on the planet, boasting a massive capacity of 260 million passengers a year, five state-of-the-art terminals, and over 400 aircraft gates. Located in Dubai South, the airport will be five times the size of DXB, covering a staggering 70 square kilometers.
Work has already kicked off on the Dhs128 million terminal, with phase one expected to wrap up in the next 10 years—bringing in an impressive 150 million annual passenger capacity right from the start.
According to the Dubai Media Office, all operations at DXB—currently the world’s busiest international airport—will gradually shift to Al Maktoum International in the coming years.
Designed as a bold step into the future, the new airport aims to significantly cut environmental emissions and support the UAE’s vision for a sustainable built environment. With a target of achieving LEED Gold certification, the project reflects a major commitment to eco-conscious innovation, said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation.
Today, we’ve officially greenlit the designs for the brand-new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport and kicked off construction of the project—an AED 128 billion investment under Dubai Aviation Corporation’s long-term strategy.
Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the… pic.twitter.com/oG973DGRYX
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 28, 2024
HH Sheikh Mohammed stated, “As we develop a whole city around the airport in Dubai South, it will naturally drive demand for housing for a million residents. This area will become home to top global players in logistics and air transport. We’re creating a forward-thinking project for future generations—one that guarantees ongoing, stable progress for our children and theirs. Dubai is set to become the world’s airport, its gateway, its urban nucleus, and its next global epicenter.”
