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8 May 2025
Photo: Ashim D Silva
Dubai International Airport (DXB) — yes, the busiest airport on the planet — is officially closing down, with operations shifting to the gigantic, revamped Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). But hang on, don’t panic just yet. It is not happening overnight — DXB will stay open until DWC is fully prepared to handle all the flights and passengers.
“The current thinking is when DXB gets to a point where we've got enough capacity at DWC to make the complete transition, we will move every single service to DWC,” explained Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. With DWC’s new terminal expected to open in 2032, and expansions continuing right through into the 2050s, we have still got plenty of years left to enjoy Dubai International Airport.
So, why the big move? Griffiths put it simply: “There is little sense in operating two major hubs with such close proximity to one another.”
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A quick flashback on DXB
DXB kicked off operations back in 1960 and rapidly became an aviation giant. Today, it processes more than 90 million passengers annually. But now, Griffiths has made it clear: DXB’s infrastructure is nearing the end of its lifespan. Keeping it running would mean pumping in massive investments — cash Dubai thinks is better spent on building something newer and bigger.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) — the future mega-hub
DWC is aiming to become the world’s largest airport. After its $35 billion expansion wraps up, it will handle a whopping 260 million passengers each year — about triple DXB’s current capacity. Expect five runways and a staggering 400 aircraft gates.
Also, Dubai’s new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) will feature an underground train system, designed to make travelling between the airport’s eight planned concourses quicker and easier.
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What about the current DXB site after closure?
The fate of DXB’s prime real estate after its closure remains uncertain. But one thing is for sure: the area will undergo a major redevelopment, dramatically reshaping Dubai’s cityscape once the runways fall silent.
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