Key Facts About Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport Expansion

Aug 27, 2026

79 min

Aug 27, 2026 09:31

Al Maktoum Airport: 10 key numbers UAE travellers need to know about Dubai’s new airport

## Overview

Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is undergoing a significant expansion, set to transform it into the world's largest airport. The project, with an estimated cost of $35 billion, aims to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually.

## Timeline and Capacity

The first phase of the airport is scheduled to open in 2032, with an initial capacity to handle 150 million passengers per year. This is a substantial increase compared to Dubai International Airport's 2025 record of 95.2 million passengers. Once fully operational, Al Maktoum International will have the capacity for 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.

## Infrastructure

The completed airport will feature five parallel runways and over 430 aircraft stands. The first phase alone will include 400 stands. The development is part of the larger Dubai South area, integrating aviation with logistics and transport sectors.

## Cost and Construction

The project's approved cost is AED128 billion, with significant investments already underway. As of now, 17,000 piles have been installed, and 45 million cubic meters of earth have been moved.

## Additional Features

The airport will span approximately 70 square kilometers and will include a metro station, a 6,000-space car park, and four automated people-mover stations. The design aims to ensure that passengers receive their luggage within 15 minutes of arrival.

## Transition Plan

The transition from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International will be gradual, occurring between 2032 and 2035. This careful shift is intended to maintain smooth operations as the new airport becomes the primary hub for international travel in Dubai.

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