‘Plan for Terminals at Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai is Finalized’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has given the green light for the design of the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai. This massive project is estimated to cost AE8 billion (US billion) and will make the airport the largest in the world.

The new airport will boast 400 gates, five parallel runways, and an area five times larger than Dubai International Airport (DXB). With plans for five passenger terminals, the airport will be capable of accommodating over 260 million passengers annually and handling up to 12 million tons of cargo per year. This expansion will also lead to a demand for housing for approximately one million people in Dubai South.

This new airport will help alleviate congestion at the busy Dubai International hub and provide space for the growth of home airlines in the UAE. Over the next decade, all of Dubai International’s air traffic will be diverted to the new DWC airport. A model of this ambitious project was showcased to the public at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

At the same airshow, major orders were announced by Emirates and flydubai for new aircraft to support their growing fleets. Emirates added 90 Boeing 777X and 15 Airbus A350-900 aircraft to its fleet, while flydubai committed to purchasing 30 Boeing 787-9s. These orders signify a significant expansion for both airlines and highlight the region’s bustling aviation sector.

The collaboration between Emirates and flydubai extends beyond aircraft orders, with plans for shared training and maintenance facilities for their Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This strategic partnership will enhance operational efficiencies and support the airlines’ ambitious growth plans in the coming years.

With a focus on expanding their regional and international networks, flydubai also aims to double its fleet of Boeing 737s. The airlines currently share facilities at Dubai International Airport, with flydubai utilizing Emirates’ services for certain flights. The upcoming developments at DWC promise a bright future for air travel in the region.