Dubai, UAE – In a landmark announcement, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, revealed a $35 billion expansion plan for Al Maktoum International Airport. This development aims to position Dubai as the home of the world’s largest and most advanced air passenger terminal, capable of handling 260 million travelers annually upon completion.
Middle East The New Aviation Hub
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Griffiths shared his vision of the Middle East evolving into a critical global aviation hub. This transformation is driven by significant regional aviation expansions, including the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air and new airport developments in Riyadh and the NEOM project.
Massive Expansion of Dubai World Central
In April, Dubai greenlit the blueprints for phase two of the Dubai World Central (DWC) – Al Maktoum International Airport. This phase promises a cutting-edge 21st-century airport with a capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually and 12 million tonnes of cargo. The expansion will feature 400 aircraft stands, five runways (four of which will operate independently), and multiple terminals with satellite concourses.
Griffiths emphasized that the airport will incorporate breakthrough technology to ensure a seamless experience, significantly reducing walking distances between curb and boarding gates.
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Comparing DWC with DXB
The new Al Maktoum International Airport will be approximately five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport (DXB). For the past decade, DXB has consistently topped the list of the world’s busiest international airports, expecting to welcome 91 million passengers in 2024. DXB was pivotal in leading the global aviation sector’s post-pandemic recovery.
Once completed over a 10-year timeframe, DWC aims to fully integrate Dubai International Airport’s operations. “The plan is to move the entirety of operations at DXB to DWC once the new airport is ready and has the required capacity,” Griffiths stated. Given the new airport’s size and capacity, maintaining two airports will be unnecessary.
Future Capacity and Integration
Griffiths projected that over the next decade, DWC would have an annual capacity of up to 150 million passengers to accommodate the transition from DXB, where passenger volumes are expected to reach 100 million in the coming years. “By the time we move to DWC, we will be large enough in terms of traffic volume to justify the available capacity and the ongoing expansion of the new facility to its ultimate size of 260 million passengers per annum,” Griffiths added.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology
Phase two of DWC will expand the site to approximately 70 square kilometers, featuring advanced technology and airport experiences unprecedented in the global aviation space. Griffiths affirmed that Dubai Airports aims to delight guests with unforgettable experiences, impeccable service, and genuine Arabian hospitality.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
Although it’s too early to detail specific features, Griffiths promised top-tier lounges, a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget, and premium retail brands as commercial partners. Over the next decade, Dubai Airports will ensure that every aspect of the DWC experience reflects its dedication to comfort and guest satisfaction, reinforcing Dubai’s status as the premier global travel hub and destination of choice.