Dubai Announces $35bn Construction of World's Largest Airport Terminal

Dubai has begun work on an ambitious $35bn (AED 128 billion) airport terminal that aims to be the world's largest, as recently announced. The new terminal, to be situated at Al Maktoum International Airport, will handle up to 260 million passengers annually upon completion, making it five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Prime Minister and Vice President, said all operations from the current airport will transfer to the new terminal over the coming years. This development is part of Dubai Aviation Corporation's strategy to create a more efficient and expansive aviation infrastructure.

The airport will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, and introduce new aviation technologies for the first time in the industry. "As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow," Sheikh Mohammed noted, indicating that the development will also foster new communities and business sectors, particularly in logistics and air transport.

Dubai International Airport has been the world's busiest for international travel for ten years running, accommodating 87 million passengers in 2023, which has put significant strain on its capacity. The new terminal at Al Maktoum aims to alleviate this pressure, providing Dubai with a robust aviation hub.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted the significance of this move, stating, "The growth of Dubai has always been hand in hand with the growth of its aviation infrastructure, and today we see another bold step on that journey." The new terminal not only enhances Dubai's standing in the global aviation industry but also bolsters its position as a major urban hub for business and travel.

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 Corporation's strategy.

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

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