We’re not getting a third airport, Dubai. But the city’s second international existing Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South is all geared up for a mega expansion. Also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), the city’s second international airport will undergo extensive development to make it the world’s largest airport by 2050.
Yes, it’s two decades in the making but the final product is going to be an airport beyond our wildest imaginations. DWC has its sights set on accommodating up to a stonking 260 million passengers and 15 million tonnes of freight yearly.
An official tweet released by Dubai South informed the public of this monumental project and teased info about plans for residential projects.
#DubaiSouth will be home to the world's largest airport once complete, and a multi-modal transport infrastructure linking air, land, and sea. Along with the advantages of a business-friendly free zone, it will also provide a diverse range of residential options. pic.twitter.com/opI5PoJFmr
— Dubai South (@Dubai_South) June 5, 2023
Phase 1 of world’s largest airport will finish in 2030
Although expansion is slated to fully complete only in 2050, Phase 1 of the airport’s development is set to wrap up by 2030. At the end of Phase 1 Al Maktoum International Airport will have two additional runways, Concourse 1, the West Terminal building. It will also feature a 6,000-lot car park, and a connection to a metro station for a seamless travel experience.
DWC airport first started in June 2010 with cargo operations, followed by serving passenger flights in October 2013. Since then, the airport terminal caters to 5-7 million passengers yearly.
Where is Dubai South?
For those who aren’t sure exactly where Dubai South is or what it does, it’s an urban master development project. It’s also the region of Dubai that Expo City is located in and is an economic free zone. Essentially, it aims to be a mini city within the emirate of Dubai. Located close to Jebel Ali, Dubai South is perched between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Spanning 145 sq km, Dubai South is developing eight different districts centred around the DWC airport. They are Logistics City, Commercial City, Residential City and Aviation City, Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, Business Park, Golf District and Humanitarian District.