Dubai International Airport to Close by 2035 as Al Maktoum Airport Expands

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest international airport with over 92 million passengers in 2024, is set to close by 2035 as operations transition to the newly expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at Dubai World Central. This strategic move addresses DXB's physical constraints, including its location amid highways and residential areas that limit further expansion, and aligns with Dubai's ambition to become the global leader in air travel. The £28 billion DWC project aims to create the world's largest airport with eight terminals, five parallel runways, and up to 400 gates, capable of handling 260 million passengers annually. Technological innovations such as contactless check-ins and biometric immigration controls are expected to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. The transition is anticipated to fuel growth in tourism, hospitality, retail, and logistics, supporting millions of jobs and attracting up to one million new residents to the Dubai South region. Airlines like Emirates will leverage the new hub to expand flight frequencies and global connectivity, marking a transformative era in Dubai's aviation and economic landscape.