Dubai's new Al Maktoum Airport opening planned for 2032

At the Airport Show, held on 8 May at Dubai World Trade Centre, fresh details were unveiled about the large-scale construction project for the new Al Maktoum International Airport. According to a statement by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, the first phase will be completed in 2032. That is when the new aviation hub will replace Dubai's current international airport.

According to Al Zaffin, the project is firmly on schedule — construction work has already begun and the first contractors have been brought on board. He noted that the design under development aims to create an intuitive, comfortable space for passengers, with an emphasis on technology and innovation.

As part of the first phase, particular attention will be paid to improving passenger convenience, increasing capacity, and optimising operational processes. One key element will be the construction of a second runway costing $242 million — the contract for the work has been awarded to Binladin Contracting Group. A new terminal and an upgraded baggage handling system are also planned. The main goal is to create a modern, environmentally friendly, "smart" airport built to withstand future challenges, using artificial intelligence and biometric technologies.

Once the first phase, costing $35 billion, is completed in 2032, the new airport will be able to handle up to 150 million passengers a year. All flights will be transferred from the current airport to the new terminal at once.

Once the full programme is complete, the hub's capacity will grow to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year. The airport's total area will span 70 square kilometres, with more than 400 gates.

The new airport will have a significant impact on the emirate's economy. Growth is expected not only in aviation, but also in related industries — logistics, hospitality, retail, and tourism.

This project will significantly strengthen Dubai's international transport connectivity. The city is already an important transit hub for cargo and passengers, and Al Maktoum will take it to a fundamentally new level, thanks to advanced infrastructure capable of handling the newest types of aircraft.