CCECC-Tristar JV wins $2.7bn Al Maktoum terminal contract

Oct. 14, 2026

A CCECC-Tristar joint venture has secured a $2.7 billion contract for substructure works at Al Maktoum International Airport's West Terminal.

Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, where a $2.7 billion contract has been awarded for substructure works at the planned West Terminal. (Image source: Al Maktoum International Airport)

Dubai, UAE - A joint venture between China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Abu Dhabi-based Tristar Engineering & Construction has secured an approximately $2.7 billion (AED10 billion) contract for substructure works at the planned West Terminal of Al Maktoum International Airport.

The award represents another major package in Dubai's ongoing expansion of the airport, which is being developed through a multi-phase construction programme.

The West Terminal is planned as a seven-level facility spanning approximately 800,000 square metres. Once completed, it is designed to handle 45 million passengers annually.

Rendering of the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is being developed as part of Dubai's long-term aviation infrastructure programme. (Image source: DAEP/Coop)

The building will be the second of three passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport, alongside the existing passenger terminal and the future East Terminal.

Passenger movement between the West Terminal and the airport's airside facilities will be supported by an automated people mover system. At full development, the system is planned to operate across 14 stations.

The airport's first development phase also includes construction of Concourse 1, additional runways, ground service equipment roads, an underground baggage handling system, energy centres, fire safety facilities and other supporting infrastructure.

Dubai's wider expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport represents an investment of AED128 billion, approximately $35 billion.

The airport is planned to reach capacity for 150 million passengers annually during its initial expansion stages. At full development, it is designed to handle up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo each year.

The completed airport is planned with five parallel runways, four concourses, more than 400 aircraft contact stands and extensive road, rail and automated passenger transport connections.

The latest contract award moves another key part of the West Terminal into the construction programme as Dubai continues the long-term development of Al Maktoum International Airport.