Dubai is set to embark on a monumental project with the construction of a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, aiming to claim the title of “world’s largest” terminal. The ambitious endeavor, estimated at nearly $35 billion, has been greenlit by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and UAE’s prime minister.
Once completed, the new terminal is projected to handle an impressive 260 million passengers annually, making it a global aviation powerhouse. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted its vast capacity, boasting to be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport.
The project, spearheaded by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates, is expected to be phased over a decade. Initially, it will cater to 150 million passengers annually, serving as the primary hub for Emirates, Flydubai, and other airline partners, facilitating seamless global connections.
Situated on the outskirts of Dubai, Al Maktoum Airport aims to relieve congestion from Dubai International Airport, which has been constrained by its central location. Despite its inception in 2010, Al Maktoum Airport has yet to attract a significant portion of Dubai’s air traffic, but authorities envision it as the future aviation epicenter of the city.
