UAE Aviation Enters a New Era as Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport Chooses Indian and Japanese Engineering Powerhouse for Underground Automated People Mover System Under Massive Airport Expansion Programme

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Dubai’s aviation transformation has moved into a major development phase after an automated people-mover system was selected for the first stage of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion programme. The underground passenger transport network is being developed as a key facility to support future airport operations as the UAE continues strengthening its position as a global aviation hub.

The project has been awarded to a consortium involving Indian engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro and Japan’s Mitsubishi. The system will form an important part of the airport’s internal transportation infrastructure, connecting passengers between terminals and concourses through an underground network.

The development is included within the wider $35 billion expansion programme of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, which is being delivered according to an approved timeline. The first phase is scheduled to begin operations in 2032.

Underground Automated People Mover System to Transform Airport Passenger Movement

The automated people-mover system has been planned as a critical operational component of Al Maktoum International Airport. The infrastructure will operate beneath the airport apron and terminal areas, allowing passengers to move efficiently between different sections of the facility.

The system will include multiple tracks designed to transport travellers from terminal buildings to aircraft concourses. As the airport expansion progresses, the underground network will become an essential element of passenger circulation within the future airport environment.

During the first phase of development, four underground stations are planned to be constructed. The complete airport master plan includes fourteen stations across the wider facility, creating a large-scale internal mobility system designed specifically for airport operations.

The introduction of this advanced transport infrastructure reflects the increasing focus on integrated passenger movement solutions within modern airport developments. At Al Maktoum International Airport, the automated system is positioned as part of the broader construction strategy supporting the airport’s future operational requirements.

Dubai Airport Expansion Strengthens UAE Aviation Infrastructure

The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport represents one of the largest aviation infrastructure projects being developed in the UAE. The programme is designed to create additional capacity and strengthen Dubai’s position within the international aviation sector.

Construction activities have continued according to the approved project schedule. The first phase remains targeted for operational launch in 2032, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s long-term airport development plans.

Recent updates indicated that contracts valued at AED13 billion were already under execution, while more than ten million work hours had been completed over fifteen months. Additional strategic project contracts exceeding AED55 billion were also expected to be awarded in the coming months.

The upcoming construction packages include major airport facilities such as substructure works for the Western Passenger Terminal, the fourth aircraft concourse building and the baggage-handling system. Further works include superstructure development for the Western Passenger Terminal and the first three aircraft concourses.

These infrastructure packages form part of a wider effort to establish a highly advanced airport ecosystem capable of supporting future passenger operations.

Al Maktoum International Airport Development Includes Major Supporting Infrastructure

Beyond passenger transport facilities, the expansion programme includes several large-scale infrastructure components required for the airport’s development. Planned works cover long-span structural frameworks for buildings extending across approximately 1.5 million square metres.

The construction programme also includes infrastructure development for the southern airfield area, along with power-generation and district-cooling plants required to support airport operations and ongoing construction activities.

Additional contract awards for façade and roofing packages are also planned as part of the continuing expansion process.

The scale of the project highlights the importance of coordinated engineering solutions in developing a next-generation aviation facility. The automated people-mover system, along with other planned airport infrastructure, will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive passenger and operational network within Al Maktoum International Airport.

Future Growth Outlook for Dubai’s Aviation Hub

Al Maktoum International Airport is being developed with the capability to handle more than a quarter of a billion passengers annually, according to project updates. The expansion programme is expected to support Dubai’s long-term economic growth by enhancing aviation capacity and strengthening airport infrastructure.

The continued progress of the project demonstrates the UAE’s ongoing investment in aviation development and large-scale transport infrastructure. With the introduction of an underground automated people-mover system, Dubai’s airport expansion is moving towards a highly connected operational model.

As construction phases continue, Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become a major component of the UAE Aviation landscape. The combination of advanced passenger mobility infrastructure, expanded terminal facilities and supporting airport systems reflects the scale of Dubai’s future aviation ambitions.

The development remains focused on delivering a modern airport environment where passenger movement, operational efficiency and large-scale infrastructure work together within one integrated aviation platform.