A monumental transformation is underway in Dubai’s aviation landscape as Al Maktoum International Airport, located in the south of the city, gears up to become the world’s largest airport. With a staggering investment of Dh128 billion, the ambitious project aims to elevate passenger capacity to a remarkable 260 million annually, effectively absorbing the operations of the renowned Dubai International Airport within a decade.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasized the strategic rationale behind consolidating operations, citing the inefficiency of maintaining two airports given their close proximity. Once fully operational, Al Maktoum International Airport will assume the mantle from Dubai International, signaling the end of an era for the latter, which has served as a pivotal hub since its inception in 1960.
Dubai International’s evolution has been nothing short of remarkable, witnessing exponential growth in passenger numbers over the decades. From its humble beginnings with a sand compacted runway and modest terminal, the airport celebrated the milestone of welcoming 500 million passengers after 51 years, a feat duplicated in a mere seven years thereafter. However, as the transition looms, Griffiths highlighted the aging infrastructure at Dubai International, prompting the decision to embrace a new era at Al Maktoum International.
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Despite the impending shift, Dubai International will continue to function as the primary hub, catering to over 100 million travelers, as Al Maktoum International undergoes expansion. Garnering accolades as the world’s top airport for international passenger numbers for the 10th consecutive year in 2023, Dubai International is poised to surpass 88.8 million passengers in 2024.
The transition process is poised to commence imminently, with Griffiths outlining plans to gradually migrate operations to Al Maktoum International. Anticipating challenges, he assured stakeholders of sufficient capacity to accommodate passenger growth, underscoring the importance of a seamless transition to a state-of-the-art facility.
Addressing concerns regarding accessibility, Griffiths dismissed notions of increased travel time to Al Maktoum International, citing the city’s continuous expansion towards the south. Emphasizing the integration of innovative transportation solutions, including automated people movers and an integrated transport hub, Griffiths reiterated the airport’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience and connectivity.
As Dubai charts a new trajectory in aviation excellence, the transformation of Al Maktoum International Airport stands as a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to innovation and progress on the global stage.
