Dubai International Airport Set to Close, Reroutes Flights to Al Maktoum

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest hub for international travel, is set to close in the coming decades as all operations gradually shift to the new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). DWC is undergoing a massive expansion, eventually becoming five times the size of DXB and capable of handling up to 260 million passengers annually, with its new terminal expected to open in 2032 and further expansions into the 2050s. CEO Paul Griffiths stated that operating two major airports in close proximity is impractical and economically unsustainable, as DXB will reach the end of its operational life by the time DWC is fully developed. The phased transition means DXB will remain operational for at least another decade, minimizing disruption for travelers, especially the large number of UK tourists who frequently visit Dubai. Once completed, DWC will feature five runways and 400 aircraft gates, making it the world’s largest airport. Land currently occupied by DXB is expected to be redeveloped after the airport's closure.