Dubai is set to open the world's largest airport by 2032, Al Maktoum International Airport, with an annual capacity of 260 million passengers. The project, costing approximately £26 billion ($35 billion) according to the British Aviation Group, will feature two terminals, five parallel runways, and over 430 plane stands.
Design and Features
The airport's design includes a futuristic curved white roof, extensive indoor green spaces, palm trees, and floating parks. Each of the four concourses will be a megastructure with a built-up area of 2.3 million square metres stretched across 2.7 kilometres. The Dubai Government confirmed that the first phase is on track to start operations in 2032.
Advanced biometric scanning, AI-powered security, and off-site baggage drop will create a seamless, queue-free process. The airport will also house an internal 14-station railway service called the Automated People Mover (APM) to connect passengers to gates and transport links. The West Terminal Building will include dedicated halls for first class, business class, and economy.
Transport Links and Capacity
Airlines including Emirates and Flydubai are expected to use the airport as a major hub. Non-aircraft transport links include new lines on Dubai Metro and Etihad Rail to connect the airport to Dubai and the UAE. Car parking will facilitate thousands of vehicles.
Dubai's current main airport, Dubai International (DXB), held the status of the second busiest airport in the world in 2025 with 95.2 million passengers. However, after the US and Israel went to war with Iran, passenger numbers plummeted to just 2.5 million in March, down 65.7% year on year. The UAE later lifted restrictions on airspace, and Dubai Airport entered a recovery phase.
Official Statements
On June 15, the Dubai Government confirmed that enabling works, runway infrastructure, and initial structural foundations for passenger terminals and gates are underway. A spokesperson said the project 'remains on course to commence operations in 2032, in accordance with its long-term master plan.'
Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, stated: 'Al Maktoum International Airport is far more than an expansion of aviation infrastructure; it is a fully integrated global platform that will redefine the future of travel and logistics.' He added that the airport is designed to 'deliver a seamless, intelligent, and customer-centric experience powered by advanced technologies, integrated automation, operational intelligence, and seamless connectivity across airport systems and transport networks.'
Economic Impact
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said the airport will 'serve as a key pillar in advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.' This 10-year plan, launched in 2023, aims to double Dubai's economy and establish it among the top three global cities for business, tourism, and investment by 2033. He also said the airport will strengthen Dubai's position as a 'leading global hub for trade, tourism, logistics, and international connectivity' and 'reinforce the aviation sector's contribution to sustainable economic growth for decades to come.'
On June 18, the UK Foreign Office lifted its warning against all but essential travel to the UAE, though it continues to advise travellers to exercise caution.
