Khaleej Times
Muzaffar Rizvi
05 October 2026
New airport will eventually accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually while introducing a seamless, technology-driven travel experience
Al Maktoum International Airport is poised to become the world's largest aviation hub, with Dubai World Central (DWC) confirming that its second runway will become operational next year as scheduled. The milestone is expected to boost the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 150 million during the first phase of the mega-expansion project, which is due to open in 2032.
The $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport project, currently operating on a smaller scale, will feature five runways and have the capacity to handle up to 260 million passengers annually upon full completion. The airport is designed to provide the additional capacity required as Dubai International Airport (DXB) approaches its operational limits in the coming years...
