Dubai begins construction of 'world's largest' airport with 400 gates, 5 parallel runways

NEW DELHI: Dubai on Sunday announced the commencement of the construction of "world's largest" airport terminal at a cost of $35 billion with 400 gates and five parallel runaways.

"Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport, and commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation's strategy," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, said on X.

"Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the world's largest capacity, reaching up to 260 million passengers. It will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, and all operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to it in the coming years," the post read.

According to the authorities, the airport has the capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually.

"As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world's leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors", Sheikh Mohammed said.

Scheduled to be ready within 10 years, the project will ensure "continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn," he said.

"Dubai will be the world's airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global center", he added.

Earlier in February, Dubai stated its highest-ever tourist numbers, with 17.15 million foreign overnight visits in 2023. Average hotel occupancy was around 77%.