Dubai International Airport to shut down, set to become Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai has unveiled ambitious plans to construct the world’s largest airport. Named Al Maktoum International Airport, this new facility will have the capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually, ultimately taking over operations from Dubai International Airport.

The announcement was made by Dubai’s Prime Minister and Vice-President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on X, formerly known as Twitter. He revealed that the construction of the $35 billion (R655 billion) project has been approved, and work is set to commence immediately.

Spanning a size five times larger than Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International will feature 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways. The new airport will be situated in Dubai South, a specially designated airport city that will accommodate one million residents.

This state-of-the-art airport will serve as the new hub for Emirates and FlyDubai.

“Al Maktoum International Airport will ensure that Dubai continues to lead the global aviation sector for decades to come,” Emirates confirmed on social media.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the long-term vision of the project, stating, “We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn. Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global centre.”

Main Image: CNBC