Dubai International Airport will move to new $35 billion facility
Dubai International Airport, currently the world's busiest hub for international travel, is set to transition its operations to a new $35 billion facility within the next decade. The announcement was made by ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who confirmed that the airport's operations will be moved from its current location (DXB), to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. This project had previously experienced delays due to the 2009 economic downturn.
Dubai's ruler outlines his vision
Sheikh Mohammed outlined his vision for the new airport project. In an online statement, he said, "We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn." He further emphasized that "Dubai will be the world's airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global center." This statement underscores Dubai's ambition to solidify its position on the global stage.
New airport to feature five parallel runways
The new Al Maktoum International Airport is set to feature 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, a significant upgrade from DXB's existing two runways. This strategic move comes as Emirates, Dubai's flagship carrier, recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has been a crucial barometer of both global aviation health and Dubai's economic status.
DXB experienced an increase in passenger traffic last year
Despite pandemic-related challenges, DXB experienced an increase in passenger traffic last year with 86.9 million passengers, surpassing its 2019 annual traffic of 86.3 million passengers. However, this surge in passenger numbers has strained DXB's capacity. The airport is hemmed in by residential areas and two major highways which restrict expansion opportunities, necessitating the move to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Al Maktoum International Airport offers significant room for expansion
Al Maktoum International Airport, situated approximately 45km away from DXB, offers ample space for growth. Since its inauguration in 2010 with one terminal, it was used as a parking area for Emirates' Airbus A380s during the pandemic, but has since seen a rise in cargo and private flights. Sheikh Mohammed unveiled plans for further expansion southward with a whole city being developed around the new airport.
