Dubai's New Terminal: Al Maktoum International Airport - World's Largest With 400 Gates, 5 Runways

The approval for the designs of the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport was announced on Sunday by Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. It was revealed that the terminal, set to become "the world's largest," will be constructed at an estimated cost of nearly $35 billion (Rs 2.9 lakh crore).

The commencement of construction was confirmed by the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with an expected expenditure of AED 128 billion ($34.85 billion), as reported by AFP.

Al Maktoum International Airport's New Terminal- Here's What We Know

The initiation of construction on a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport has begun. This terminal is anticipated to be five times larger than Dubai International Airport, which currently stands as one of the world's busiest air hubs.

According to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Airlines, the first phase of the project is projected to be completed within a period of 10 years, accommodating a capacity of 150 million passengers annually.

Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport, and commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion as part of Dubai Aviation Corporations strategy.

Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the… pic.twitter.com/oG973DGRYX

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 28, 2024

Al Maktoum Airport, situated on the outskirts of Dubai, has received a relatively smaller share of air traffic since 2010. Authorities aim for it to eventually replace Dubai International Airport due to its constrained expansion potential in the city center, with a capacity of handling up to 120 million passengers per year.

The new terminal, featuring 400 gates and five parallel runways, will introduce Dubai's aviation sector to cutting-edge technologies. An entire city is planned to be developed around Dubai South's airport as part of this ambitious project, creating a demand for housing for up to a million people.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, this transformative development will position Dubai as the world's leading airport, port, urban hub, and new global centre, ensuring continuous and stable development for future generations. The airport, with a budget of 128 billion AED ($34.85 billion), is expected to attract top logistics and air transport companies globally.

Furthermore, the new airport will serve as a central hub for Emirates and its budget counterpart, Flydubai, as well as all other airline partners connecting Dubai to global destinations. Comprehensive plans are underway to transition all operations from Dubai International Airport to this new multi-billion-dollar project in the coming years, signalling a monumental shift in the region's aviation landscape.