The world’s most active international airport is set to permanently close its doors after over 85 years of operation. Dubai International Airport (DXB) will cease operations in 2035, with all current activities shifting to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is undergoing a significant £28 billion redevelopment to become the world’s largest aviation center.
This transition will involve relocating all flights and services from DXB to DWC, including those operated by major Dubai-based airlines Emirates and flydubai. Once completed, Dubai World Central Airport is projected to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as the world’s largest airport.
The decision aligns with the country’s strategic goal to lead global air travel and logistics. The expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) includes plans for five parallel runways and up to 400 aircraft gates. Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) has outlined a vision for DWC that emphasizes state-of-the-art airport systems and passenger-focused amenities to enhance travel experiences.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, explained that consolidating operations at DWC makes economic sense as maintaining two close-proximity major hubs like DXB would require substantial investments. The closure of DXB is partly due to its limited space for expansion between major highways and residential areas.
The transition to DWC is expected to begin around 2032, with the entire project estimated to conclude by 2057. DWC will be connected to the upcoming Etihad Rail High-Speed Rail network, aiming to reduce travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to just 30 minutes.
