Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Advances with Major Contracts and Innovations

Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is undergoing a transformative expansion, with significant contracts awarded and strategic projects entering advanced stages. This development aligns with Dubai's vision to establish the airport as the world's largest, enhancing its status as a global aviation and logistics hub.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), announced that the project has made tangible progress since the master plan's approval by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2024. Contracts for enabling works and the construction of a second runway have been awarded, while tenders for critical infrastructure components, including an automated people mover system and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, are underway.

The expansion is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to bolster the emirate's position in global aviation and logistics. The first phase includes constructing a passenger terminal and four concourses, increasing capacity to 150 million passengers annually. Upon completion, the airport will handle up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo per year, making it five times larger than Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The first phase of Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) is on track for completion by 2032. Once operational, the state-of-the-art mega-hub will gradually assume all flight operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB), currently ranked among the busiest airports in the world.

The update was announced on Thursday, May 8, at the Airport Show 2025 held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, confirmed that construction is progressing as scheduled, with contractors already mobilized and groundwork underway.

A significant milestone in the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) development has been reached with the awarding of a AED 1 billion contract for the construction of a second runway. This project is designed to boost the airport's long-term capacity and operational efficiency.

Once the first phase is completed, AMIA will be able to accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as one of the largest and most advanced airports in the world. This phase includes the construction of a passenger terminal and four concourses, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Strategically located near Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone, the airport will serve as an integrated multimodal logistics platform supporting "Dubai South." This development is expected to offer living and employment opportunities for around one million people, stimulating the local economy and boosting sectors such as real estate, tourism, hospitality, air freight, and logistics.

The expansion incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including biometric check-ins, AI-driven operations, and robotic systems for baggage handling, aiming to provide a seamless and efficient travel experience. Sustainability is also a key focus, with the airport targeting LEED Gold Certification through energy-efficient designs and operations.