Al Maktoum Airport: 10 key numbers UAE travellers need to know about Dubai’s new airport

Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is set to undergo a major expansion, with the aim of becoming the city's primary aviation hub by 2032. Here are the key figures that UAE travelers need to know about this ambitious project:

1. The first phase is scheduled to commence operations in 2032, handling 150 million passengers annually - nearly double the current capacity of Dubai International Airport (DXB), which saw 95.2 million passengers in 2025.

2. At completion, Al Maktoum International is planned to accommodate 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo each year. This represents the airport's long-term capacity, not just the first phase.

3. The expanded airport will feature five parallel runways, more than the current four at DXB, allowing for increased aircraft movements as operations scale up.

4. The initial phase will include 400 active and inactive aircraft stands, with the final development expected to have over 430 aircraft stands.

5. The project has a budget of AED128 billion for the passenger terminal alone, with an overall investment projected at US$35 billion.

6. The site of the new airport will span around 70 square kilometres, forming part of the larger Dubai South growth area, which encompasses aviation, logistics, transport, and other economic activities.

7. Passengers can expect a streamlined experience, with plans for luggage to be delivered in 15 minutes and a metro station, 6,000-space car park, and four automated people-mover stations connecting the terminal and concourses.

8. The transition from DXB to Al Maktoum International will be managed carefully, with operations gradually shifting to the new airport as its capacity becomes available.