The world’s largest and most technologically advanced airport, through phase one of Al Maktoum International Airport I (AMIA) can be completed by 2032, setting the ground state of affairs in the region’s aviation sector. AMIA will eventually replace DXB, the world’s busiest aviation hub, once in operation.
The company said the announcement on its expansion plans was made during Airport Show 2025 by Khalifa Al Zaffin, the Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation. He also confirmed that construction is proceeding as planned with contractors already mobilised and a AED 1 billion contract awarded for construction of a second runway to enhance capacity.
When the first stage of AMIA has been completed, it will be able to service up to 150 million passengers per year, including a new passenger terminal, four concourses, and cutting-edge infrastructure aimed at simplifying its activities. Ideally situated close to Jebel Ali Port and Dubai South Free Zone, the airport is the hub of Dubai’s multimodal logistics hub.
Casting an area of 70 square kms, the full AMIA project will comprise over 400 aircraft gates, AI and robotic systems, biometric identification and automated transport system. It also aims at the LEED Gold certification which also keys on sustainability.
There is an expectation that thousands of jobs will be created out the airport’s development, and it will spur development in real estate, tourism, logistics and hospitality. By the year 2050, the site will have underground trains to ensure a smooth flow of passengers as they move within the sprawling compound echoing the dream of Dubai for future efficient travel.
The path of change from DXB to AMIA, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, stressed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), will be phased out so smoothly that it will generate no operational discontinuity. When completed, the airport will be able to service 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2024 accepted this proposal.
