Dubai’s Sky-High Dream: Inside the Race to Build the World’s Biggest Airport

‍

‍

Dubai isn’t known for doing anything halfway—and its next aviation move proves it. Al Maktoum International Airport, once a modest cargo-only strip in Jebel Ali, is undergoing a jaw-dropping transformation into the largest airport the world has ever seen. With an eventual capacity of 260 million passengers, five runways, and over 400 aircraft gates, this Dhs128 billion marvel is five times the size of the already bustling Dubai International Airport (DXB).

But how did we get here—and what’s next?

‍

A Runway to Remember: The Airport’s Humble Origins

Back in 2010, Al Maktoum International Airport (AMI) took its first flight as a cargo-only hub. Just seven years earlier, in 2005, construction began with a grand vision: to create a futuristic “aerotropolis”—a full-scale city built around the airport in Dubai South. The 140 square kilometre site includes six dedicated zones like Dubai Logistics City, Residential City, and even Golf City.

Passenger flights didn’t launch until 2013, and for years, the project flew under the radar. But make no mistake—Dubai always had sky-high plans.

‍

‍

‍

A Mega Makeover in Three Bold Phases

Phase 1 (Target: 2032)

• Construction begins on the West Terminal Building and Concourse 1.
• A futuristic Automated People Mover (APM) train network will connect four underground stations.
• Concourse 1 will boast 100 contact gates and stretch a whopping 2.7 km with a built-up area of 2.3 million sq m.
• New runways 2 and 3 will be added, alongside a massive baggage handling system, energy centres, and catering facilities.
• Passenger capacity: 130 million—already higher than DXB’s 2024 record of 92.3 million.

Phase 2 (2040s)

• Adds Concourse 2 with 100 more contact gates and three new train stations.
• Expansion of support services and passenger processing power.
• Projected capacity: 150 million annual passengers.

Final Phase (2050s and beyond)

• A new East Terminal, Concourses 3 & 4, Runways 4 and 5, and a full 14-station internal rail system.
• Connections to Etihad Rail and a new Dubai Metro line will complete a giant transport web.
• Total site size: 70 square km
• Final capacity: 260 million passengers per year
• And yes—DXB will eventually close, moving all operations to AMI.

‍

What’s Happening Now?

Currently, AMI flies to select cities in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond—from Copenhagen and Cologne to Male and Milan. But don’t let the low traffic fool you—behind the scenes, big changes are afoot.

Just this March, Falcon Aviation announced a Dhs360 million expansion, including a private jet terminal by 2030. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths revealed the full transition won’t wrap until “way into the 2050s,” but when it does, it’ll redefine what an airport can be.

‍

A City Built Around the Skies

More than just an airport, AMI is the anchor for a whole new urban centre. Dubai South is set to house 1 million people and become a magnet for logistics, transport, and aerospace giants. Think homes, schools, offices, retail hubs—all revolving around the aviation ecosystem.

And with seamless connections to rail, metro, and highway networks, the landside transport hub will match the airside ambition.

‍

What About Dubai International Airport (DXB)?

Once AMI takes flight at full capacity, DXB will step aside. While it remains the busiest airport for international travelers today, maintaining two mega-airports doesn’t make economic sense, says Griffiths. By then, DXB’s aging infrastructure will need serious investment—and that money may be better spent powering the future at AMI.

‍

‍

Final Approach: A Global Game-Changer

Al Maktoum International Airport isn’t just Dubai’s next big thing—it’s the future of air travel. Designed to handle tomorrow’s demand, from supersonic jets to smart terminals, this mega-hub will rewrite the rules for how cities—and passengers—connect.

‍

‍