Dubai is building one of the world’s biggest and most ambitious airport projects: Al Maktoum International Airport (also called Dubai World Central, DWC). With Dubai International (DXB) nearing capacity, this new airport is central to the emirate’s future plans for aviation, tourism, and real estate. Here’s what’s going on, and what it means.
What’s Underway
In April 2024 the Government approved Phase Two of the DWC expansion.
The expansion is part of a $35 billion (128 billion AED) investment project to transform Al Maktoum into a mega-hub.
When complete, the airport will have five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates.
The capacity is planned to grow in stages: first to about 150 million passengers annually, then eventually up to 260 million.
Key Changes & Transitions
Over time, all operations from DXB (Dubai International Airport) will be progressively shifted to DWC/Al Maktoum.
Airlines like Emirates and Flydubai (and other carriers) will move their services to the new terminal(s) at DWC.
Besides the airport itself, the development includes creating infrastructure around it: housing, transportation links, support services, and employment opportunities for up to one million people. It’s part of Dubai South, the broader urban and logistics region being built around DWC.
Why It Matters
1. Handling Skyrocketing Demand
DXB is already handling over 90 million passengers per year, and growth is continuing. There’s limited scope to expand DXB further due to proximity to residential areas, road-network constraints etc. The new DWC airport gives space for massive scale and future demand.
2. Global Hub Strategy
By building a mega air-transport hub, Dubai is positioning itself to stay competitive with other global aviation hubs and emerging ones in the region. The capacity for cargo comes into play too.
3. Real Estate & Urban Growth
Big airport terminals bring in demand for supporting infrastructure—hotels, residences, retail, transport, business / logistics zones. Areas around DWC will see a boost in property development and value. Also improved connectivity and services will make it more attractive for both locals and international investors.
4. Employment & Socio-Economic Impact
With such scale, job creation not just in aviation but in services, hospitality, infrastructure, transport, logistics etc. Also, housing developments to accommodate workers and people serving the airport and businesses around it.
Timeline: What to Expect & When
Year / Period What Will Likely Happen
2025-2028 Construction continues on the new terminals, infrastructure, runways. Early phases of Phase Two complete. Some airlines / services might start shifting gradually. Transport connections (roads, metro / local transit) improve.
2030 First major capacity increases are delivered (more gates, more runways in service). Part of the airport-city developments around DWC to start delivering housing, amenities.
2032 According to public statements, target for shifting significant operations from DXB to DWC.
2034 and beyond Further expansion, reaching the higher end of capacity targets (150-260 million pax). Full operational transition, with all major flights using DWC, and DXB perhaps becoming legacy / specialized operations or repurposed for certain services. The supporting city and logistic infrastructure around DWC maturing.
Challenges & Things to Watch
Transport Connectivity: The success of DWC depends heavily on linking it well to the rest of Dubai and broader UAE. Roads, public transit (metro, rail), and access times matter.
Operational Transition: Moving from a very busy existing airport (DXB) will be complex. Airlines, staff, passengers will need to adapt. Logistics of migration of flights, customs, ground services etc will need careful planning.
Environmental & Sustainability Concerns: Building on such scale means high resource usage. Attention will need to be given to energy, water, emissions, waste, local ecosystem impacts. Whether green technologies, renewable energy etc are integrated well.
Economics & Global Travel Trends: Demand forecasts assume growth in air travel. Disruptions (e.g. global downturns, pandemics, geopolitical issues) could affect timelines or scale.
What This Means for You (Investors / Travel / Real Estate People)
Real estate around DWC is likely to increase in value significantly due to demand for housing, hotels, services. Buying early could be advantageous.
Properties with convenient access to the new airport will become highly desirable—ease of travel, reduced congestion, new transit lines.
If you’re in travel/tourism businesses, more airline routes, more tourist arrival potential. Hotels, hospitality and retail will see growth.
For business clients, increased cargo capacity and exporters/importers will benefit from better freight infrastructure.
Conclusion
Dubai’s new airport at Al Maktoum / DWC is more than just a facility for planes—it’s a whole ecosystem for transportation, logistics, urban living, real estate, and global connectivity. It's being built to last decades and aims to shift the centre of gravity of air travel in Dubai. While there will be growing pains in the transition, the upside is huge for those who plan ahead—whether airlines, real estate investors, travelers, or businesses tied to aviation.
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