The first phase of Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) is slated for completion by 2032. This significant development was announced by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, who emphasized that the initial phase will involve the construction of a new passenger terminal along with four concourses.

Credit: Dubai Eye 103.8

Al Zaffin noted that several major components necessary for this phase, including the Automated People Mover (APM) and the Baggage Handling System (BHS), are currently in the tendering process, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year. He also mentioned that the terminal substructure, early 132kV substations, and district cooling plants will be the next packages tendered this year to ensure a solid foundation for subsequent phases.

Upon completion, the first phase will increase Al Maktoum International Airport’s capacity to approximately 150 million passengers annually. The airport aims for a final target capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year when fully operational. Al Zaffin highlighted that this ambitious project is a key element of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, designed to promote long-term economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness in the aviation sector and beyond.

Additionally, Al Zaffin explained that the transition from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport is planned to occur as a “single, seamless move to avoid operational challenges and minimize disruption for passengers.”

In April of the previous year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the approval of the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport. He stated that the airport would eventually become the world’s largest in capacity, accommodating up to 260 million passengers, and would be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport.

Furthermore, the airport is designed to include 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, incorporating new aviation technologies for the first time in the industry. Al Zaffin also indicated that the development of an entire city around the airport in Dubai South would create demand for housing for a million residents, attracting leading companies in logistics and air transport sectors.

“This project is intended for future generations, ensuring ongoing and stable development for our children and their descendants,” he concluded, envisioning Dubai as the world’s airport, port, urban hub, and a new global center.