Dubai is set to redefine air travel with the approval of designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other dignitaries unveiled the strategic plan in early May 2024, marking the commencement of a groundbreaking project that will revolutionize the Middle East aviation sector.
What is Al Maktoum Airport Dubai?
Situated in the area of the city known as Dubai South, 37 kilometres southwest of the city, DWC is already the site of Al Maktoum International Airport.
When it first opened in 2010, it was known as Dubai World Central, hence the IATA code DWC. The airport was renamed Al Maktoum International Airport (after Dubai’s ruling family) and started taking commercial passenger aircraft in 2013.
Although DWC has long been designated as the future home of Dubai’s aviation hub, the Global Financial Crisis and numerous other factors over the past decade have led to multiple delays in the shift to utilizing the expansive grounds available in Dubai South.
Al Maktoum International Airport presently takes some commercial and cargo flights, but its distance from the city and existing DXB airport (45 kilometres away with no transport links) has long been an issue until a fully comprehensive change to Dubai’s transport infrastructure could be made.
The only periods of time the airport has seen substantial use have been when runway upgrade works have reduced capacity at DXB and occasional emergency diversions.
So in short, we wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t heard of Al Maktoum Airport before now!
Grand New Visions For Dubai Aviation
The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paves the way for an exciting new era in aviation transport.
Once complete, the new Al Maktoum International Airport terminal will initially have the capacity to handle 150 million passengers annually, growing to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo by 2050.
Designed to meet the needs of the UAE over the next four decades, the new airport will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates spanning a 70-square-kilometre site.
Dubai Airport Connections – Now & In The Future
The move will be part of a larger infrastructure plan for the rapidly expanding city. With existing buildings in the city’s east, bordering the emirate of Sharjah, there is no further room for expanding the existing Dubai International Airport. With only two runways, there is no viable way to continue meeting air traffic demand in the decades to come, so a fully fledged second airport is the only real option.
Once opened, Emirates and FlyDubai, the emirate’s two largest state-owned airlines, will fully transition all operations to DWC.
Timeline For The Transition To The New Al Maktoum Airport
The most crucial question you undoubtedly have is when these changes will take effect and which airlines will be affected.
The short answer is that no definitive date has been given, yet. However, reading between the lines of statements made by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, it appears that the full integration of Emirates and FlyDubai into Al Maktoum International Airport will occur ‘within 10 years’—so it would be safe to say by 2034.
UPDATE! In October 2025, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths indicated that DXB airport is expected to exceed the 100 million annual passenger mark ‘within the next two years’, reaching maximum capacity of 115 million passengers by 2031. He explained that when they reach capacity, operations will be transitioned to Al Maktoum International Airport in 2032 when they anticipate handing 124 million passengers.
There’s certainly no need to recheck your ticket routing in the next few years, as this AED 128 billion project will be a monumental task – the biggest of its kind seen anywhere in the world – as Dubai looks to cement its position as the world’s largest aviation hub.
There has been no specific announcement yet on what will happen to other airlines that presently use DXB, or whether they will continue to operate on the two runways at DXB after transitioning to the new Al Maktoum International Airport. Currently, 102 international airlines connect Dubai to 262 destinations worldwide in 104 countries.
Watch this space as plans unfold for Dubai’s incredible infrastructure projects.
More About Travelling Through Dubai
While we await further news on the transition to Al Maktoum International Airport, you may also like to read more about:
- How to plan your stop in DXB – A comprehensive guide to airport layovers in Dubai
- Are you eligible for Dubai Connect? Emirates free stopover hotels for long layovers
- Things to do on a Stopover in Dubai – getting out of DXB to explore!
- Transport options from DXB to Downtown Dubai
- The best hotels close to Dubai Airport DXB for all budgets
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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