Dubai International Airport to Close by 2035 as Al Maktoum Airport Gears Up to Become World’s Largest Aviation Hub

Published on May 25, 2025

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the globe’s busiest international airport with over 92 million passengers in 2024, is set to close by 2035. This historic transition marks a transformative phase in Dubai’s aviation and tourism landscape as operations shift to the newly expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at Dubai World Central.

This strategic move supports Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s leading aviation hub while significantly expanding capacity to handle up to 260 million passengers annually. It also aligns with the UAE’s vision to strengthen tourism, logistics, and the economy, supporting millions of jobs and investment opportunities.

Why Dubai International Airport’s Closure is a Game-Changer

• Unmatched Growth Limits at DXB:
  Established in 1960, DXB’s location amid highways and residential zones restricts physical expansion, limiting Dubai’s long-term aviation capacity.
• Shift to Al Maktoum International Airport:
  Located 38 miles from DXB and 22 miles from downtown Dubai, DWC is designed to accommodate massive future growth with modern infrastructure and passenger-focused technology.
• Massive Expansion Project:
  The £28 billion DWC project features eight terminals, five parallel runways, and up to 400 gates, aiming to be the world’s largest airport with revolutionary tech like contactless check-in and biometric immigration.

Tourism and Economic Impact

• Boost to Tourism Capacity:
  With DWC’s potential to handle 260 million passengers yearly, Dubai is set to attract more international visitors, boosting its hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.
• Job Creation:
  The airport’s development supports construction, logistics, tourism, and residential growth, with up to one million new residents expected in the Dubai South area.
• Enhanced Connectivity:
  Airlines like Emirates will leverage the new hub to increase flight frequencies and open new routes, further connecting Dubai to key global markets.
• Competitive Edge:
  Dubai’s expanded capacity positions it competitively against other mega hubs like Istanbul, Doha, and Singapore, attracting airlines, travelers, and cargo operations.

Passenger Experience and Innovation

• Streamlined Transit:
  An underground train network reduces terminal transit to 15–20 minutes, making connections swift and convenient.
• Cutting-Edge Technology:
  Features like seamless baggage handling and biometric verification elevate passenger experience and operational efficiency.
• Future-Proof Design:
  DWC’s modular terminals allow phased growth, ensuring capacity matches demand without service disruptions.

Transition Plan and Airline Adaptation

• DXB will remain Dubai’s main airport for at least the next decade, ensuring smooth operations and minimal disruption for travelers.
• Airlines, including Emirates and British Airways, will gradually shift operations to DWC as terminals and infrastructure come online.
• UK travelers and other international passengers will adjust to DWC’s location 45 kilometers south of the city, supported by improved road and rail links.

Strategic Outlook

• The airport transition is part of a broader UAE strategy to decentralize aviation activity and support burgeoning tourism and trade sectors.
• DWC’s development will catalyze new business opportunities, from logistics to hospitality, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global economic powerhouse.
• This shift reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and maintaining a leading edge in global air travel for decades.

Bullet Points Recap

• Dubai International Airport to close by 2035, transferring all operations to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
• DWC designed to handle up to 260 million passengers annually, making it the world’s largest airport
• New airport features eight terminals, advanced technologies, and five parallel runways
• Expansion supports Dubai’s tourism, logistics, and economic growth with up to 1 million new residents expected
• Airlines like Emirates to benefit from increased capacity and new route opportunities
• Transition planned to be gradual with no disruption expected for at least 10 years
• Enhanced passenger experience with underground transit, biometric systems, and seamless baggage handling

Dubai’s bold aviation transformation will set new standards in passenger experience, operational scale, and global connectivity—ensuring its status as a premier tourism and logistics hub well into the future.