Al Maktoum International Airport to Begin Operations by 2032
New Dh1-billion runway contract marks major milestone in developing the world's largest airport.
Dubai's aviation landscape is set for a dramatic transformation as Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) moves closer to becoming the new aviation hub of the emirate. The first phase of the mega airport is scheduled for completion by 2032, with the capacity to handle 150 million passengers annually. Once operational, DWC will begin taking over all flight operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB), according to a top official. New Runway and Groundwork Underway
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, made the announcement on Thursday during the Airport Show in Dubai. He revealed that a Dh1-billion contract has been awarded for the construction of a second runway at DWC. Enabling work—often the initial step in large-scale construction—has already begun, with an additional Dh75 million allocated to this preparatory phase. 'We are moving decisively to deliver the project on schedule,'
Al Zaffin said, noting that design work is in progress and ground activity has started. A Technological Marvel in the Making
The airport, which has been described as the 'most futuristic' in the world, will feature cutting-edge technology and a passenger-centric design. Once complete, DWC will cover 70 square kilometers—five times the size of DXB—and will eventually serve up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Plans include two main passenger terminals, seven concourses, and over 400 aircraft gates. The airport will also introduce AI-powered systems to optimize operations, including automated gate allocations and smarter terminal layouts for smoother passenger transfers. Redefining the Travel Experience
Beyond its size, DWC is being designed as a travel destination in itself. According to Al Zaffin, the terminal will feature immersive retail experiences, advanced duty-free outlets, and robots handling baggage. 'There is going to be a giant terminal for arrivals and departures which will then lead to different concourses,'
he said. 'It's going to be a place where travel is celebrated.'
The design process involved reviewing multiple iterations to ensure both efficiency and elegance in passenger flow and airport experience. Smart Immigration and Seamless Travel
In collaboration with government authorities, Dubai plans to implement a smart corridor that allows passengers to clear immigration in seconds. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, had previously hinted at these advancements. Al Zaffin confirmed the vision but noted that certain features, like borderless travel, may take longer to fully realize. 'The plan is to have an airport where people can move through without customs and immigration,'
he said. 'How much of it we do at the test stage and how much we do later remains to be seen.' A Phased Shift from DXB to DWC
Last month, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, confirmed the awarding of initial contracts for DWC's development. Once operational, DWC will gradually take over all flight operations from DXB, positioning Dubai at the forefront of global aviation innovation and capacity.
With its mix of scale, advanced technology, and passenger-first design, Al Maktoum International is poised to reshape how the world travels through Dubai.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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