Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), confirmed that the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion has witnessed significant headway since its master plan received approval from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in April 2024.
During a press briefing on the final day of the Airport Show 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Zaffin informed the media that contracts for enabling works and the construction of a second runway have already been awarded.
Further key developments, including the automated people mover and baggage handling systems, have now reached the tendering stage, with contract awards anticipated later in the year.
He further noted that the next stage will involve tender invitations for critical infrastructure components such as foundational and concrete works, central cooling plants, and 132 kV substations. He assured that the project remains on schedule, managed by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation.
Al Zaffin underscored that Al Maktoum International Airport is among the most significant initiatives under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), reinforcing the emirate’s role as a global centre for aviation, logistics, and sustainable development. He highlighted that Emirates Airlines’ record-breaking revenues in 2024 are a testament to the sector’s continued expansion and the necessity for forward-looking infrastructure.
In response to questions from the press, Al Zaffin described the initial phase of the development, which includes a new passenger terminal and four concourses. This phase aims to boost the airport’s capacity to 150 million passengers annually, with a final goal of handling up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo.
He affirmed that the airport’s proximity to Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone is instrumental in creating a comprehensive multimodal logistics hub that will support the “Dubai South” urban community, designed to accommodate around one million residents and workers.
Al Zaffin mentioned that the 70-square-kilometre airport will house more than 400 aircraft gates, an advanced automated transport network, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biometric systems, all developed with sustainability in mind and targeting LEED Gold certification.
A comprehensive executive transition programme is underway in collaboration with all relevant entities.
These initiatives have already led to notable improvements in traffic conditions, with further enhancements planned to maintain accessibility during the shift to Al Maktoum International Airport.
