Your guide to Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai
Dubai is already one of the world’s most enticing, advanced cities and a truly established hub for global transportation. But evolution is necessary to stay at the top, and being home to the biggest, busiest and best airport on the planet will help to ensure Dubai’s future shines bright. There’s absolutely no doubt that, when complete, the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai will be a game-changer for global air travel. In this article, we profile the airport as it is now and what the future holds as the expansion comes to fruition.
ABOUT AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUBAI
Al Maktoum International Airport stands tall as a testament to Dubai’s vision to further strengthen its tourism sector. Initially operational for cargo flights in 2010, it opened its doors to passenger traffic in 2013. Further development is ongoing as part of the Dubai World Central project, which envisions it becoming the world’s largest airport. Currently, the airport operates three terminals, handling passenger and cargo traffic.
Upon completion, it will boast a staggering capacity of over 260 million passengers annually, surpassing even the busiest airports in the world. Additionally, the airport aims to become a 12 million-ton freight hub, solidifying Dubai’s global trade and logistics centre.
If things go as planned, DWC Airport Dubai will reach the top of the list of major airports in the UAE!
Dubai’s Airport Showdown: Al Maktoum vs Dubai International
Dubai has announced a bold plan to eventually close its iconic Dubai International Airport (DXB) and consolidate all passenger operations at the under-construction Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This ambitious move signals a significant shift in the emirate’s aviation strategy, driven by several key factors.
The existing airport is nearing its maximum capacity, with limited space for further expansion. The new Al Maktoum Airport is designed to be five times larger, boasting the potential to handle a staggering 260 million passengers annually, far exceeding DXB’s capabilities.
The shift from DXB to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum is not abrupt and will be completed in intervals over the decade. Within the first 10 years, the Al Maktoum Intl Airport will welcome around 150 million passengers. The second phase will accommodate 110 million passengers, raising the total to 260 million!
On the other hand, the closure of DXB opens doors for the potential redevelopment of the prime Garhoud area it currently occupies. This presents exciting possibilities for urban development and further diversifying Dubai’s landscape.
STAGES OF AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION
Want complete Dubai World Central airport info? Here are the three stages of Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai:
Phase 1
The first phase, set for completion by 2032, kicks off with the West Terminal Building and Concourse 1. A new express metro line will link the terminal to the city for seamless connectivity.
Given the airport’s massive size, a high-tech underground Automated People Mover (APM) will be introduced to ease movement across the site. Concourse 1 alone will feature 100 contact gates and four underground stations for smooth passenger transfers.
Spanning 2.3 million square metres, this concourse is the first of four identical 2.7 km-long structures. The design draws inspiration from the UAE desert, with three dune-shaped nodes along a central spine.
The airfield works will include building runways 2 and 3, an underground baggage system and a dedicated road network for ground service vehicles. The northern section will host energy centres, fire stations and support facilities for catering, maintenance and storage.
Once this phase is completed, the airport will handle up to 130 million passengers annually, surpassing Dubai International Airport’s 2024 figure of 92.3 million.
Phase 2
In the following decade, a second identical concourse will rise parallel to the first, boosting capacity to 150 million passengers via 200 contact gates.
This phase will see three additional underground train stations, an expanded ground service road network and upgrades to the baggage handling system. Operational support facilities will also scale up to meet the new capacity.
Final Phase
Once completed, Al Maktoum International will be five times larger than Dubai International Airport and host up to 260 million passengers yearly.
The final stage begins with the East Terminal and Concourses 3 and 4, offering access from the city’s eastern side. The internal railway system will expand to 14 stations, linking all airside buildings in a loop. A new Dubai Metro line and Etihad Rail connection will also be included.
Two more runways will complete the five-runway layout, allowing four planes to land simultaneously. With more than 400 aircraft gates and five passenger terminals, the airport will cover 70 square kilometres.
Eventually, all operations at DXB will relocate to Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai.
DWC AIRPORT FACILITIES
Designed to be a frontrunner in the aviation sector, Al Maktoum Airport Dubai boasts a plethora of facilities to cater to your needs, including:
- Dining Options: Whether you seek a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the airport offers restaurants and cafes to tantalise your taste buds.
- Financial Services: From currency exchange shops to banking facilities, you’ll find everything you need to manage your finances conveniently.
- Retail Therapy: Indulge in a shopping spree at the Al Maktoum Airport Duty-Free Shop, offering a wide range of products.
- Traveller Assistance: The “Marhaba” concierge service provides easy assistance to navigate the airport, ensuring a smooth experience.
- Essential Services: Medical centres, prayer rooms, and ample car parking are available to cater to your various needs.
HOW TO GET TO AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT
Al Maktoum airport transportation ensures a smooth and accessible journey for travellers.
Accessibility by Road: The airport has easy access from Dubai’s major highways, including Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611), making it well-connected to the city’s road network.
Public Transportation:
- Metro and Bus:
- Passengers can reach the airport via the Dubai Metro Red Line to Ibn Battuta Station, then transfer to the F55 bus, which will take them directly to the airport.
- Alternatively, the F55A bus from Satwa Bus Station provides a direct connection.
- Car Rentals:
- Major international car rental companies, such as AVIS, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz Thrifty, and National, are at the airport.
KEY INFORMATION ABOUT DUBAI MAKTOUM AIRPORT
RUNWAY CAPACITY
Featuring 5 runways and a 24/7 landing capability, Al Maktoum Airport Dubai facilitates efficient air traffic flow.
PACKING AND SHIPPING OF GOODS
With a projected annual cargo capacity of 12 million tons, the airport is poised to become a leading centre for international trade.
PASSENGER CAPACITY
The airport is envisioned to seamlessly connect with the existing Dubai International Airport via a high-speed rail system. Passenger flights are projected to reach a volume 20 times greater than cargo, catering to 260 million passengers annually.
PASSENGER TERMINALS
The Dubai government recently approved designs for a new passenger terminal at the Al Maktoum International Airport. The construction is expected to cost around AED 128 billion as the airport builds to accommodate growing travel demand.
The airport is expected to be five times the size of Dubai International Airport and will absorb its operation in 10 years. Furthermore, the Al Maktoum International Airport is being designed to mitigate environmental emissions and achieve the LEED Gold certification.
FAQS
WHAT DESTINATIONS ARE CURRENTLY SERVED BY AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
Current routes offered by Al Maktoum Airport include:
- Denmark: Copenhagen
- Czechia: Prague
- England: Newcastle
- Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart
- Italy: Milan
- Luxembourg: Luxembourg
- Maldives: Male
- Netherlands: Amsterdam
- Norway: Oslo
- Poland: Katowice
- Romania: Bucharest
- Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Riyadh
- Sweden: Stockholm
- Switzerland: Zurich
HOW FAR IS DUBAI AIRPORT FROM AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT?
The distance between Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport is approximately 64.7 km or about 40 minutes by car.
IS THERE ANY SHUTTLE FROM DUBAI MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
Yes, Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum Airport are connected by a complimentary 24/7 shuttle bus service. It operates every 30 minutes between all terminals. For the most up-to-date information, please confirm details before your travels.
WHERE IS THE AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOCATED?
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is situated in Jebel Ali, approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Dubai International Airport. This strategic location places it within Dubai South, a development project encompassing residential, commercial and logistics sectors.
- Contact: +971-4-877-3618
WHAT IS THE NEAREST METRO STATION TO AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT?
The nearest metro station is conveniently located at Ibn Battuta Mall. This station is easily accessible by RTA buses or taxis, offering a smooth connection to the city’s metro network.
And it’s a wrap to our Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport guide. With its ambitious vision and world-class facilities, the airport is poised to play a vital role in shaping Dubai’s future as a global aviation and logistics hub.
Are you planning a trip to Dubai? Learn about Dubai Airport banned items to avoid any last-minute surprises at security checks. If you are stuck in transit at Dubai International Airport, don’t fret! Turn your layover into a mini-adventure with various things to do at Dubai International Airport. You can also explore the Dubai Duty Free during your layover.
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Featured image credit: Government of Dubai Media Office
