Dubai to build the world's largest airport terminal worth $35Bn
Dubai has commenced the construction of a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the world's largest. The city's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the terminal designs and officially signaled the start of construction. The budget for this monumental project is estimated to be around $35 billion (₹2.9 lakh crore).
The new terminal is likely to accommodate 260 million passengers
Once fully operational, the new terminal will have the capacity to handle up to 260 million passengers annually. This is five times larger than the capacity of Dubai International Airport, currently one of the world's busiest air hubs. The initial phase of this ambitious project is expected to be completed within ten years and will accommodate 150 million passengers annually.
Dubai South's grand plan: Constructing an entire city around airport
The terminal is part of a grand plan that includes constructing an entire city around Dubai South's airport, designed to accommodate a million people. "As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow," Sheikh Mohammed stated said on X, as reported by Al Jazeera. The city will host leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.
Al Maktoum International Airport to become new hub
Al Maktoum International Airport, located on the outskirts of Dubai city, is set to become a new hub for Emirates, Flydubai, and all other airline partners. All operations at Dubai International Airport are scheduled to be relocated to this new multibillion-dollar project in the coming years. Since 2010, Al Maktoum airport, has received a modest portion of air traffic compared to Dubai International Airport.
Dubai International Airport as the world's busiest airport
Dubai International Airport has maintained its status as the world's busiest airport for international travel for a decade, which has placed significant strain on its capacity. Last year, the transit hub accommodated nearly 87 million passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, Dubai reported a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year.
