Dubai, UAE – In response to the continuous surge in passenger demand, Dubai Airports is gearing up for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art airport, surpassing the current capacity of Dubai International Airport (DXB), which already holds the title of the world’s busiest airport. Paul Griffiths, the Chief Executive of Dubai Airports, made the announcement at the ongoing Dubai Airshow, revealing that the new airport is expected to be operational in the 2030s.
Currently handling around 86.8 million passengers annually, DXB is forecasted to exceed its pre-pandemic (2019) footfall, reaching its maximum capacity of approximately 120 million passengers per year. Griffiths emphasized the need for a forward-looking approach, stating that the new airport project would extend well into the 2050s.
While specific details such as timelines, deadlines, and project costs were not disclosed, Griffiths highlighted that the new airport’s design and technological features would be carefully examined in the coming months. He also stressed the necessity of expanding Al Maktoum International, stating that it must be “bigger and even better” than Dubai International.
The chief executive further outlined a groundbreaking vision for the new facility, stating, “We are not planning an airport that has terminals. We’re going to completely change the business model for airports, make them actually far more intimate and get rid of all the legacy processes that we’ve had to subject our customers to, for far too long.” The emphasis on a futuristic design indicates a departure from traditional airport structures.
As Dubai Airports prepares to redefine the airport experience, the ambitious project aims to accommodate the growing passenger demand, providing a cutting-edge facility that aligns with Dubai’s reputation for innovation and modernity.