Dubai is planning to build the world’s largest airport. Recently, they started construction on a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport as per the recent announcement made by its ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The government has approved the new design of the new terminals at the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, which has just started as per the plan. During the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed also stated “This is not just an airport but the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and a new global centre”. It is a huge project with an estimated cost of AED 128 billion (approximately $34.85 billion or nearly Rs 2.9 lakh crore).
Al Maktoum International Airport, known as Dubai World Central, began operations in June 2010 and opened to passengers in October 2013. The airport was designed as a core facility for Dubai World Central, an ” airport city ” built in Jebel Ali, and spans 54 square miles. Sheikh Al Maktoum began the first phase of construction in July 2010, opened the airport in 2013, and approved the design plan in 2014. The airport is designed to be the world’s largest airport, with the first phase of expansion expected to accommodate 120 million passengers and 100 double-decker Airbus A380 jets. The airport’s peak capacity is expected to be 160 million to 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo. In 2018, it was reported that expansion plans had been postponed. But recently, the design and plan received approval from the Government and the estimated cost is AED 128 billion. Al Maktoum International Airport is located approximately 40 km southwest of central Dubai. The airport is located within the large-scale urban development plan DWC (Dubai World Central) and is expected to handle 160 million passengers a year in the future with five runways. The airport was named after Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai. It is part of the Dubai World Central ( English version ) plan, an artificial complex currently under construction. The plan is for it to be a huge airport with six runways, which will serve as the logistics centre for Dubai. This is going to be the largest construction in human history. This extension plan is managed by the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects.
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Features of Al Maktoum International Airports:-
- Runway capacity: Al Maktoum International Airport is capable of 1,000,000 movements. The five runways will be able to handle more than one million flight movements annually
- Packing and shipping of goods: Al Maktoum International Airport is capable of 15,000,000 tons. The annual cargo capacity at Al Maktoum Airport will be the largest in the world.
- Passenger capacity: Al Maktoum International Airport is capable of 265,000,000. About 300 million passengers will be able to travel through Dubai World Central every year.
- Airport area: Al Maktoum International Airport has 65 square kilometres. The area of ​​Al Maktoum Airport will be 5 times that of Dubai International Airport.
- Infrastructure: Al Maktoum International Airport is capable of 400 aircraft. It accommodates 400 aircraft gates for flexible operation.
- Cost: Al Maktoum International Airport will cost about 2900 Crores in rupees.
- Timeline: The first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport construction is capable of accommodating 150 million passengers per year, which will be completed in 10 years.
Significance of Al Maktoum International Airport:-
Al Maktoum International Airport holds an important significance not only for Dubai but for all broader regions and the global aviation industry. Being the world’s largest airport in some years, it serves as a crucial hub for air travel, trade and commerce. It plays a pivotal role in economic growth, tourism, and connectivity. Let’s know the deeper significance of Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Gateway to the World: Al Maktoum International Airport serves as a gateway to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the wider Middle East region. Soon, it will have six gateways for an extensive network of flight connections which provides seamless access to major cities and destinations around the world for international travellers, locals and many more.
- Economic Driver: Al Maktoum International Airport serves as a key driver of economic growth and prosperity in Dubai. It increases Dubai’s GDP and brings various employment opportunities across various sectors. It operates airlines, cargo operators, ground handling services and many more which generate billions of dollars in revenue and support thousands of jobs only in airports.
- Trade and Logistics Hub: Al Maktoum International Airport is a huge trade and logistic Hub. It will become the major logistics hub for the movement of goods and commodities. It has world-class cargo facilities for all categories. The airport’s strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes positions Dubai as a key player in the global supply chain.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Dubai is one of the most famous tourist spots in the world. It is boosted more by the recent construction of Al Maktoum International Airport. Every year, the airport serves millions of visitors and provides convenient access to Dubai’s attractions, hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. It plays an important role in making the city vibrant and contributes to revenue generation and job creation in the hospitality sector too.
- Business and Investment Hub: Al Maktoum International Airport will increase the connectivity and accessibility to Dubai from around the world, which will increase the business and investment in the city. It serves as a meeting point for international conferences, trade exhibitions, and business events, fostering networking opportunities and partnerships across industries.
- Infrastructure Development: Al Maktoum International Airport has catalysed infrastructure growth and urban expansion in Dubai’s southern region. It will lead to the development of new roads, highways, utilities, and residential communities, transforming the surrounding area.