Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In a bold move reflecting the city’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead in the aviation game, Dubai is gearing up to replace its already bustling airport with an even larger one, poised to take centre stage on the city’s outskirts.
The announcement comes as passenger traffic, defying pandemic odds, is on the verge of surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths shared the ambitious plans during the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates, revealing that designs are already in the works for the colossal Al Maktoum International Airport.
Positioned to outshine the current aviation juggernaut, Dubai International, the new airport will become operational in the 2030s.
In addressing the audience, Griffiths stated, “Once we’ve reached about 120 million passengers a year, which is what we think our total capacity at DXB (Dubai International) is at the absolute maximum with everything optimized, we will need a new airport.”
Emphasizing the need for continued growth, he added, “That is going to have to happen at some stage during the 2030s. We’re going to be working on those designs over the next few months.”
This revelation comes against the backdrop of the Dubai aviation sector showing remarkable resilience. Current projections estimate a staggering 86.9 million passengers at Dubai International for the year, surpassing the 2019 traffic figures, a clear sign of the industry’s robust recovery from the pandemic-induced slump.
The third quarter of the year saw traffic hit 22.9 million, the highest since 2019, bringing the year-to-date numbers to 64.5 million, a nearly 40 per cent surge compared to the same period in 2022.
Despite regional geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, Griffiths asserted that passenger numbers have not taken a hit.
“There has been minimal impact of traffic to the north,” he noted. “In fact, in some regions, it’s got even stronger than before, so (there was) no discernible impact.”
Dubai’s airport journey through the pandemic has been one of resilience. While it briefly closed to commercial flights from March to July 2020, it swiftly reopened and has since demonstrated an impressive rebound.
In 2020, it received only 25.9 million passengers, a stark drop from the 86 million in 2019.
Details about the new airport, including its price tag and capacity, remain undisclosed. Griffiths offered insight into its innovative design, stating that it would be modular rather than based on traditional terminals. This design approach allows for seamless expansion over time.
“It stands to reason that Al Maktoum International has to be even bigger and even better (than Dubai International),” Griffiths declared, referring to it as the “airport of the future.”
He also hinted at a groundbreaking shift in the conventional airport business model, aiming for a more intimate customer experience while discarding legacy processes.
“This will be a project that extends way into the 2050s because we take the long-term view here,” Griffiths emphasized, signalling Dubai’s commitment to shaping the future of air travel.
In a world where air travel is continually evolving, Dubai’s audacious venture signifies not just a response to growing demand but a strategic move to redefine the very concept of airports.
As the aviation industry adapts to changing landscapes, Dubai aims to set a precedent with a visionary airport that transcends conventional norms, paving the way for a new era in global travel.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members