Ruler of Dubai approves designs to create new ‘world’s largest airport’

Strategic plans will see a new passenger terminal being built at Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects has established strategic plans that will see a new passenger terminal being built at Al Maktoum International Airport (AMI). His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has approved these plans, setting motion for the designs to come to life. 

Increased capacity for all

The building is set to cost AED 128 billion (US$35 billion) with reports claiming the airport will be able to handle 260 millions passengers per year. 

Once fully operational, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects says the airport will consist of 400 aircraft gates; five parallel runways with a quadruple independent operation; west and east processing terminals; an uninterrupted automated people mover system and an integrated landside transportation hub for roads, metro and city air transportation. 

The company claims the new terminal will establish Al Maktoum International Airport as the largest airport in the world, making it fives times larger than the current size of Dubai International Airport. The airport will cover 70km2 allowing for a passenger handling capacity of 260 million and a cargo capacity as 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum. All operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to it in the coming years. 

The development of Al Maktoum International Airport is set to be an integral part of Dubai’s economy, expecting to generate a requirement for housing for over a million people living and working in Dubai South, which has been in operation since 2007. 

CREDIT: Dubai Media Office 

Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, and plans to commence construction of the building at a cost of AED128bn [US$35bn] as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy. Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the world’s largest capacity. New aviation technologies will be employed for the first time in the aviation sector.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors. We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn. Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global centre.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, president of Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority, stated, “With the continuous support and blessings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and in keeping with his vision for the aviation industry in Dubai, we announce the commencement of the design and construction process for the new airport at Jebel Ali.”

Addressing anticipated growth from Al Maktoum International Airport

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed emphasised, “Al Maktoum International Airport, which will ultimately be over five times the size of Dubai International, will prepare the ground for the next 40 years of anticipated growth in Dubai’s aviation sector. It will respond to the hub airline’s ambitious plans in terms of fleet acquisition and passenger growth. The airport will provide cutting-edge technologies, passenger facilities with unmatched levels of service and state-of-the-art aviation support facilities.

Al Maktoum International Airport will strongly contribute to the mitigation of environmental emissions, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainably built environment. Its integrated approach is targeted to leverage local resources and climatic conditions and achieve exemplary efficiency targets and sustainability goals. AMI aims to achieve a LEED Gold Certification.”

Her Excellency Suzanne Al Anani, CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, said, “Dubai spearheads again. With the determination to maintain its leading role in the aviation sector globally, this airport development will represent a completely new approach to the concept of airports. The exponential acceleration of technologies and the abundance of knowledge in innovation will make us reinvent the passenger journey and experience.

“Connectivity and accessibility are also prioritised in coordination with our strategic partners, ensuring efficient public transportation links and a reduced reliance on private transport, which supports the reduction of the project’s carbon footprint.”