Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, is set to permanently close its doors after over 85 years of operation. The closure is scheduled for 2035, with all current operations transitioning to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This relocation is part of a £28 billion transformation project aimed at establishing DWC as the largest aviation hub globally.
The shift will involve transferring all flights and services from DXB to DWC, including those operated by major Dubai-based airlines such as Emirates and flydubai. Upon completion, DWC at Dubai World Central is projected to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as the world’s largest airport.
This strategic move aligns with the country’s goal of attaining dominance in global air travel and logistics. The expansion plans for Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) encompass the construction of five parallel runways and up to 400 aircraft gates.
Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the infrastructure developer for Dubai’s aviation sector, has outlined proposals for DWC that emphasize the implementation of advanced smart airport systems and passenger-centric amenities to enhance the travel experience. Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, emphasized the impracticality of maintaining two major hubs in close proximity and highlighted the necessity of consolidating services at DWC due to the aging infrastructure at DXB.
The decision to close DXB is also influenced by its constrained location between major highways and residential areas, limiting its potential for expansion. The transition to DWC is expected to commence around 2032, with the entire project anticipated to conclude by 2057.
Furthermore, DWC will be connected to the upcoming Etihad Rail High-Speed Rail network, aiming to reduce travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to just 30 minutes. By embracing Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News, readers can access preferred news content efficiently.