In a strategic move set to reshape Dubai’s aviation landscape, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is poised to phase out operations in favor of consolidating all passenger traffic at the expansive Al Maktoum International, according to Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths.
Griffiths revealed the ambitious plan, emphasizing the gradual transition over a decade to Al Maktoum International, projected to become the emirate’s sole mega-hub. The move, estimated to handle 120 million passengers annually initially, aims to unlock opportunities for redevelopment in the prime Al Garhoud area surrounding DXB.
With construction underway for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International, Griffiths highlighted the significance of the project’s scale and complexity. The transition, expected to unfold in phases, will involve meticulous planning to manage the relocation of airlines, including Emirates and flydubai, to the new hub.
The decision underscores Dubai’s commitment to maintaining its leading position in global aviation, leveraging Al Maktoum International’s expanded capacity to accommodate future travel demand. Griffiths stressed the project’s proactive nature, aimed at securing Dubai’s status as a premier aviation hub for the next 50 years.
The announcement aligns with broader regional aviation developments, including Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for airport expansion, reflecting the Middle East’s dynamic growth in the aviation sector.
Dubai’s bold initiative signals a paradigm shift in airport operations, promising to catalyze economic growth and cement the emirate’s standing as a global aviation powerhouse.
