Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport to Replace DXB with World’s Largest Aviation Hub

 DXB to DWC: Dubai’s Bold Leap in Global Aviation

In a groundbreaking move, the UAE has announced the transition from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), with a staggering £28 billion expansion plan to build the world’s largest aviation hub.

By the 2050s, this mega airport will have the capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually, reshaping how the world connects through Dubai and elevating the UAE’s position as a global aviation powerhouse.

Why Replace the World’s Busiest International Airport?

Built in 1960, DXB has long been the hub of international air travel, welcoming over 92 million passengers in 2024 alone. However, with limited expansion potential due to urban constraints, Dubai has made a strategic decision to shift future growth to the Dubai World Central (DWC) area.

DWC, located 38 miles from DXB and 22 miles from central Dubai, will become the new global gateway, designed to meet the demands of 21st-century travel.

From Cargo Airport to Aviation Titan

Originally opened in 2010 for cargo operations, Al Maktoum International is undergoing a complete transformation. With phased development, it will evolve into a five-runway, 400-gate super airport integrated into the Dubai South mega-city project.

Unlike DXB, DWC offers vast, scalable land, ensuring room for seamless expansion and multi-modal logistics support for the next century of aviation.

DWC’s Futuristic Features: A Glimpse into Tomorrow

The future DWC will span 70 square kilometres and feature:

• 8 satellite terminals connected by high-speed underground rail

• Biometric immigration, contactless check-in, and automated baggage systems

• Transfer times between terminals reduced to 15–20 minutes

• Full integration with the Dubai South city, which will house 1 million residents

Dubai Airports has dubbed DWC a "technological marvel", setting new benchmarks in efficiency, scale, and traveller experience.

Global Scale and Strategic Timeline

With a projected 260 million annual passenger capacity, Al Maktoum International will dwarf global hubs like Atlanta, Istanbul, and Beijing. Dubai aims to bring the first major terminal online by 2032, with full transition completed by 2050.

This massive timeline ensures no disruption to existing operations. DXB will remain active and dominant for the next decade, giving airlines and travellers time to adapt.

What Airlines and Travellers Should Expect

For now, DXB continues to serve as the primary airport. Emirates, British Airways, and other major carriers are maintaining their schedules to and from DXB.

However, B2B travel professionals should begin preparing for:

• Future route realignments

• Updated logistics for group travel and MICE segments

• Access planning to DWC’s location, approximately 45 km south of central Dubai

Dubai’s government is actively investing in express highways, metro expansions, and high-speed rail links to ensure easy access to DWC.

B2B Travel Impact: What Professionals Need to Know

For travel agents, consolidators, and airline planners, this transition brings long-term opportunities and responsibilities:

• Plan long-term travel product adjustments

• Monitor DWC development timelines for booking decisions

• Advise corporate clients early about the future shift

• Explore strategic partnerships tied to Dubai South’s growth

The rise of DWC signals not just an infrastructure change, but a revolution in how the Middle East connects the world.

Looking Ahead: A New Era in Aviation

Dubai is not just expanding capacity—it’s rewriting the aviation playbook. As global passenger demand surges and infrastructure elsewhere strains, Al Maktoum International Airport positions Dubai at the centre of future air mobility.

For B2B stakeholders, this is the time to align with Dubai’s visionary roadmap. While DXB’s legacy is unparalleled, the future of air travel will be built at DWC—with technology, scale, and innovation at its core.

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