Dubai International (DXB) is set to transfer all operations to Al Maktoum International (AMI) in the coming years.
Al Maktoum Airport to Assume Dubai International's Operations
The announcement of a new Dh128-billion passenger terminal at AMI, made on Sunday, aims to escalate passenger capacity to 260 million annually, ultimately absorbing DXB's operations within a decade.
This announcement signals phase two of the airport's expansion. DXB will remain the primary hub, catering to the needs of over 100 million guests in the interim as the second phase of DWC unfolds, according to the operator of both airports.
Emirates Airline, headquartered in Dubai, hailed AMI as its "future home," sharing images of the ambitious project. Envisioned to be five times larger than DXB, the airport will sprawl across 70 square kilometers upon full operation. It will boast five parallel runways and five passenger terminals, accommodating over 400 aircraft gates.
Last November, a top official revealed plans to build a bigger airport to replace DXB, which is presently the busiest airport in the world. Preliminary forecasts indicate that by 2024, DXB will have handled more than 88.8 million passengers.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted AMI's potential to become the world's largest airport with a capacity of up to 260 million passengers. He emphasized the deployment of new aviation technologies in the sector.
Dubai's development of an entire city around the airport in Dubai South will spur demand for housing, accommodating around a million residents. The emirate aims to attract leading companies in logistics and air transport, solidifying its position as a global aviation hub.
AMI's first phase, expected to be completed within a decade, will handle 150 million passengers annually. According to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, AMI's infrastructure will include five parallel runways, multiple terminals, and an integrated transport hub.
Dubai anticipates significant economic benefits from AMI, with an estimated workforce and residential requirements for over a million people. Since its inception in 2010, AMI has gradually expanded its operations and is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing environmental emissions.
