Dubai Announces Landmark Expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking project to solidify its position as a global aviation leader. The ambitious plan involves constructing a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, with a staggering investment of Dh128 billion.
Key Highlights:
- Largest Airport in the World: Upon completion, the new terminal will transform Al Maktoum International into the world’s largest airport, boasting a final capacity of 260 million passengers annually.
- Fivefold Expansion: The terminal will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport, ultimately marking the complete transfer of operations to Al Maktoum in the coming years.
- Enhanced Infrastructure: The project envisions an airport equipped with 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, leveraging cutting-edge aviation technologies.
- Dubai South Development: This expansion will catalyze the development of an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, generating housing for a projected population of one million.
- Logistics and Air Transport Hub: Dubai South aspires to attract leading logistics and air transport companies, solidifying Dubai’s role as a global center for these critical sectors.
- Future-Proofing for Growth: This project represents a strategic investment in future generations, ensuring sustainable growth and development for Dubai’s air travel industry.
Leadership and Vision
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, spearheaded this ambitious initiative. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the project’s potential to transform Dubai into a global hub, encompassing aviation, maritime trade, and urban development.
Project Timeline and Implementation
The project’s master plan details the creation of an “Airport of the Future,” encompassing a vast area of 70 square kilometers. It is expected to ultimately handle over 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Phase one of the project aims to be operational within 10 years, with a capacity for 150 million passengers.
This significant announcement underscores Dubai’s commitment to shaping the future of air travel. By investing in the world’s largest airport, the emirate is poised to further solidify its position as a leading international aviation and logistics center.
News Source: Gulf News
