DUBAI: Dubai announced on Sunday that work had begun on a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which the emirate’s ruler said will become “the world’s largest” at a cost of around $35 billion.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, said the commencement of construction on the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. The ambitious project has been greenlit with an allocated budget of AED 128 billion ($34.85 billion), signifying a major investment in the region’s aviation infrastructure.
Once fully operational, the new terminal is projected to boast a staggering passenger capacity of 260 million annually, according to government statements. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that it will surpass all existing terminals globally, being “five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport,” which stands as one of the world’s busiest air hubs.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates airline, outlined the phased development plan, noting that the first phase of the project is slated for completion within a decade. The initial phase aims to accommodate 150 million passengers annually, representing a substantial increase in capacity.
Located on the outskirts of the city, Al Maktoum International Airport has historically handled a relatively smaller portion of Dubai’s air traffic since its inauguration in 2010. However, authorities have ambitious plans for the airport, envisioning it as a successor to Dubai International Airport, which faces constraints due to its city-center location that inhibit expansion.
The decision to invest in the development of Al Maktoum International Airport underscores Dubai’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global aviation hub.
