An Emirates airplane at Dubai International Airport, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 7, 2026. Photo by Reuters
All flights and services currently operating at Dubai International Airport, including those of Emirates, will be relocated to the new airport, also known as Dubai World Central, located approximately 32 km southwest of downtown Dubai, British newspaper The Mirror reported.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said that maintaining two large-scale aviation hubs within a radius of less than 70 km is not feasible.
The move is part of a £25.8 billion (US$34.7 billion) expansion project at Al Maktoum International Airport, as Dubai International Airport has reached its maximum capacity, The Sun newspaper reported.
Once complete, the new airport will be five times the size of Dubai Airport, and will be able to handle 260 million passengers a year.
The new airport will have five runways and up to 400 aircraft gates, making it the largest airport project in the world.
Dubai International Airport, opened in 1960, retained its position as the world’s busiest international airport in 2025 with 62.4 million international seats, increasing by 4% year-on-year, according to data from British aviation firm OAG.
The airport serves as the primary hub for Emirates airline and handles nearly 100 other carriers that fly to more than 240 destinations on six continents.
It boasts facilities like zen gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, cinemas, diverse dining options, and a five-star hotel.
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