Dubai International Airport (DXB), currently the world’s busiest airport for international travel, is slated for eventual closure as part of a long-term strategic plan to consolidate operations at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). According to The Independent , DWC, located approximately 22 miles from central Dubai, is undergoing a significant expansion with an investment of $35 billion. The new terminal at DWC is expected to open in 2032, with full expansion plans extending into the 2050s .
This decision was confirmed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, during the Arabian Travel Market conference. He emphasized that operating two major hubs in close proximity lacks efficiency and that all services will transition to DWC . The project aims to increase its capacity to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, making it five times larger than DXB, as the Scottish Sun noted.
Navaxity- As of today, DXB, which handled a record 92.3 million passengers in 2024, faces limitations due to its location surrounded by residential areas and major highways, restricting further expansion. As a result, the airport’s land is anticipated to be repurposed for urban development projects to support the city’s growth .
While some passengers criticize the new airport’s distance from central Dubai, the city’s growing demand for space makes the relocation strategic, as Al Maktoum International is situated near the port of Jebel Ali and key industrial zones, positioning it to better serve Dubai’s expanding southern corridor, including the rapidly developing Dubai South area.
