During the Airport Show, a new update has been shared about Dubai’s future Al Maktoum International Airport. The first phase of the mega project should be finished in 2032, when the new aviation hub will be taking over from the current Dubai International Airport.
It is Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, who gave the update about the plans for the airport doing the Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 8 May. According to him, the construction plans are on track and the first contractors are now engaged.
“The design is being done and we have already started work on the ground. The airport will be a technological marvel from all aspects. We are trying to make it intuitive, smooth, with a lot of passenger delights,” Al Zaffin stated.
The opening of the 24th edition of the Airport Show marks another important step in advancing Dubai’s strategic vision for world-class aviation infrastructure.
— HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) May 6, 2025
As a long-standing contributor to the growth of the aviation industry, this forum brings together decision-makers,… pic.twitter.com/QfzLjjSQe1
During the first phase, efforts will be focusing on enhancing passenger experience overall, increasing capacity, and improving operational efficiency. An important part of the project will be the construction of a $242 million second runway, a contract that has been awarded to a company called Binladin Contracting Group. Moreover, a new terminal will be built and baggage handling systems will be improved. The aim is to turn the airport into a sustainable, smart, and future-proof facility, including biometrics and AI.
Once the first part of the $35 billion-dollar Al Maktoum project is finished in 2032, the airport will be able to handle 150 million annual visitors. It will then be one of the largest and most advanced airports globally and all operations will be transferred from the current Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum in one move.
"It will be a destination rather than an airport"
— The National (@TheNationalNews) May 8, 2025
Dubai has awarded a Dh1 billion contract for the construction of a second runway at Al Maktoum International Airport, part of a $35-billion terminal expansion in Dubai South pic.twitter.com/9lJW5gwgTT
After phase one
When the entire project will be finished, the capacity will go up even further to an estimated 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo annually. With its 70 square kilometres, the airport should eventually have over 400 aircraft gates.
The new Al Maktoum International Airport is set to have an extensive impact on Dubai’s economy, not only boosting the aviation industry but also different related industries such as logistics, hospitality, retail, and tourism.
Moreover, Dubai’s global connectivity will be increased through the project. The current airport is already an important connecting point for both cargo and passengers alike and Al Maktoum International Airport should take this to the next step. Thanks to state-of-the-art modern infrastructure, it will be able to welcome the latest-generation aircraft.
