Dubai has reaffirmed that the first phase of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion will begin operations in 2032. More than Dh55 billion in contracts are expected to be awarded this year as construction accelerates. Once completed, the airport will become the world’s largest aviation hub and eventually replace Dubai International Airport.
Dubai’s long-term aviation ambitions are taking shape as work on the massive expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport continues to gather pace. The project, one of the largest infrastructure developments in the UAE, is expected to redefine air travel in the region and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global transport and logistics hub.
The latest update confirms that the airport’s first operational phase remains on track for 2032, while authorities prepare to award contracts worth more than Dh55 billion before the end of this year.
The first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, world's largest aviation hub, development project remains on track for commencement of operations in 2032. pic.twitter.com/Rj2zSd67VJ
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 15, 2026
Dubai confirms the 2032 airport timeline remains unchanged
The airport expansion is far more than a transport project. It forms a major part of Dubai’s long-term economic strategy and future growth plans.
According to the Dubai Media Office, the completed airport will be capable of handling 260 million passengers annually and transporting 12 million tonnes of cargo each year. These figures would make it the largest aviation hub in the world.
Once fully operational, Al Maktoum International Airport will become the future home of Emirates airline and gradually take over operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The development is expected to support trade, tourism, logistics, business investment and job creation across the emirate for decades to come.
Dh55 billion worth of contracts to be awarded in 2026
Dubai authorities revealed that the project has entered a major construction phase.
Speaking about the development, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, said the project is making significant progress.
Currently, contracts worth around Dh13 billion are already under execution. The next stage will see more than Dh55 billion worth of strategic contracts awarded.
These upcoming contracts will cover major components of the project, including:
- Substructure works for the Western Passenger Terminal
- Construction of the fourth aircraft concourse
- Structural frameworks for airport buildings
- Development of approximately 1.5 million square metres of infrastructure
The scale of these contracts highlights the enormous investment being made to prepare Dubai for future growth in aviation and global connectivity.
What will the new airport look like?
When complete, Al Maktoum International Airport will be significantly larger than any existing airport in the region.
The master plan includes:
- Five parallel runways
- Two passenger terminals
- Seven aircraft concourses
- More than 430 aircraft stands
- Advanced cargo handling facilities
- Integrated transport and logistics infrastructure
The airport is being designed to accommodate future passenger demand while supporting Dubai’s role as a key international gateway between East and West.
According to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the airport will enhance the emirate’s transport and logistics ecosystem while attracting high-value investments and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Construction work is already moving at full speed
Officials overseeing the project say construction activity has increased substantially over the past 15 months.
Suzanne Al Anani, Chief Executive of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, confirmed that major engineering works are progressing rapidly.
Key milestones achieved so far include:
- Installation of more than 17,000 concrete piles
- Excavation exceeding 45 million cubic metres
- Completion of a second runway
- More than 10 million work hours completed
The project currently employs around 9,000 workers, and that number will rise significantly as construction progresses and new phases begin.
At peak construction, the project will employ approximately 120,000 people, making it one of the largest active development projects in the UAE.
New jobs, stronger connectivity, and economic growth ahead
For residents, businesses, and visitors, the expansion represents a major shift in how people will travel in and out of Dubai over the coming decades.
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said authorities are already preparing for the eventual transition of operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport.
The expanded airport is expected to:
- Reduce future congestion as passenger numbers grow
- Improve connectivity with international destinations
- Support tourism growth
- Create thousands of jobs across aviation and related sectors
- Strengthen Dubai’s logistics and cargo capabilities
The project also aligns with the goals of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and further establish Dubai as one of the world’s leading cities for business and tourism.
Dubai International Airport upgrades will continue, meanwhile
While Al Maktoum International Airport continues to develop, Dubai is also investing in improvements at Dubai International Airport.
Current enhancement projects include:
- Upgrades to Terminal 3 access bridges
- Improvements to road networks serving Terminals 1 and 3
- Airfield enhancement works
- Measures to improve operational flexibility and passenger experience
These upgrades will help support growing passenger demand until operations gradually shift to Al Maktoum in the future.
FAQ’s
Q: When will Al Maktoum International Airport open?
A: Dubai has confirmed that the first operational phase of the airport remains on track for a 2032 launch.
Q: How many passengers will the airport handle?
A: Once fully completed, the airport is expected to serve up to 260 million passengers annually.
Q: Will Al Maktoum Airport replace Dubai International Airport?
A: Yes. The long-term plan is for Al Maktoum International Airport to become Dubai’s primary airport and eventually take over operations from Dubai International Airport.
Q: How much is being invested in the project?
A: Authorities have announced that more than Dh55 billion in contracts are expected to be awarded during the next phase of development, in addition to Dh13 billion already under execution.
Q: How will the project benefit Dubai?
A: The airport is expected to boost tourism, trade, logistics, investment, and employment while supporting Dubai’s long-term economic growth strategy.
Dubai’s vision for the future of aviation is steadily becoming a reality. As construction moves forward and Dubai prepares to award billions of dirhams in new contracts, Al Maktoum International Airport remains on track for its 2032 debut. Once completed, the airport will transform the emirate’s aviation sector, strengthen global connectivity, and further cement Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most connected cities.
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