Dubai has officially started construction on a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest. The ambitious project, costing nearly $35 billion, was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, on X.
The new terminal, with a projected cost of AED 128 billion ($34.85 billion), is expected to handle an annual passenger capacity of 260 million once fully operational. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the terminal will have “the world’s largest capacity,” being five times the size of the existing Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports globally.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates, stated that the first phase of the project is scheduled for completion within 10 years. This initial phase will have the capacity to accommodate 150 million passengers annually.
Located on the outskirts of the city, Al Maktoum International Airport has handled a smaller portion of Dubai’s air traffic since its opening in 2010. The new terminal is intended to replace Dubai International Airport, which, with a current capacity of up to 120 million passengers annually, faces limitations due to its central city location and constraints on expansion.
