Dubai International Airport (DXB), known as the world’s busiest international airport, currently handles over 90 million passengers annually, serving as a vital gateway for long-haul travel from the UK. However, Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports, recently revealed plans to shift all operations from DXB to the newly expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is undergoing a significant £28 billion expansion.
Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market conference, Griffiths stated, “There is little sense in operating two major hubs with such close proximity to one another.” His comments reflect a growing consensus that the future of air travel in Dubai lies with DWC, which is set to become five times the size of DXB and capable of accommodating up to 260 million passengers per year.
DXB, which first opened its doors in 1960, is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. Griffiths explained that by the time the transition to DWC is complete, “every single asset at DXB will be close to the end of its useful operating life.” He emphasized that maintaining DXB would require substantial investment, making its continued operation economically unfeasible.
While the timeline for DXB's closure remains uncertain, officials anticipate that DWC's new terminal will open in 2032, with expansions continuing into the 2050s. This projection suggests that DXB will likely remain operational for at least another decade, during which time it will continue to serve as a hub for millions of travelers.
Dubai is a favored destination among British tourists, welcoming approximately 6.2 million visitors from the UK each year, which translates to about 17,000 arrivals daily. Both British Airways and Emirates currently operate flights from various UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Once DWC is fully operational, it will feature five runways and up to 400 aircraft gates, making it the largest airport project in the world. The transition to DWC is expected to enhance the efficiency of air travel in the region, as Griffiths noted that the airport's location in Dubai South could alleviate some of the existing traffic challenges in the city.
“If you think about it, that’s where the growth of Dubai will be, because we’re right up against the Sharjah border in the north,” Griffiths explained. “So it will spread the city out and actually make it perhaps a little easier than the traffic problems that we’ve got today.”
Despite the ambitious plans for DWC, the future of the DXB site after its closure remains unclear. Griffiths mentioned that multiple Dubai developers have expressed interest in the site, but no official redevelopment plan has been confirmed. However, it is expected that the area will undergo significant transformation once DXB ceases operations.
As Dubai continues to evolve as a travel destination, it regularly tops TripAdvisor’s lists of popular tourist spots, though it also faces criticism from some who label it as one of the world’s most overrated destinations. The impending changes at DXB and the transition to DWC are likely to further shape the city’s image as a global travel hub.
In conclusion, with the ambitious expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai is poised to redefine its status in the global aviation landscape. As DXB prepares for its eventual closure, the focus will shift to DWC, which promises to enhance travel experiences for millions while also addressing the city’s growing traffic challenges.
