International airport to new facilities in Dubai
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, is set to relocate its operations to the city-state’s second expansive airfield situated in its southern desert areas “within the next 10 years.” This ambitious project, valued at nearly $35 billion, was announced by the ruler of Dubai on Sunday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement signals the most recent advancement in the revival of its long-haul carrier Emirates, following the halt in international travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Plans to transfer the operations of the airport, DXB, to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, have been in place for years. However, these plans had been delayed due to the aftermath of the economic crisis in 2009.
In an online statement, Sheikh Mohammed expressed, “We are embarking on a new project for future generations, guaranteeing ongoing and steady progress for our children and subsequent generations.” He added, “Dubai will emerge as the world’s airport, port, urban center, and new global hub.” The announcement featured computer-rendered images depicting a curved, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents found in the Arabian Peninsula. According to the announcement, the airport will boast five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, a significant upgrade from its current configuration, which includes just two runways, mirroring Dubai International Airport.
The financial stability of Emirates airline has often been viewed as a gauge for the global aviation industry and the broader economic well-being of Dubai. Throughout the pandemic, both Dubai and the airline demonstrated resilience by swiftly rebounding and prioritizing tourism, even as some countries took longer to emerge from their pandemic-induced slowdowns.
In February, Dubai reported its highest-ever tourism figures, revealing that it welcomed 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. The average hotel occupancy rate reached approximately 77%. Additionally, Dubai’s real estate market, known for its cycles of boom and bust, continues to thrive, approaching record-high valuations.
But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.
Al Maktoum International Airport, located approximately 45 km (28 miles) away from DXB, commenced operations in 2010 with a single terminal. During the pandemic, it functioned as a parking facility for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft. Since then, it has gradually resumed operations, primarily catering to cargo and private flights. The airport also serves as the venue for the biennial Dubai Air Show and benefits from ample empty desert space, providing opportunities for expansion.
The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.
“Dubai’s ruler expressed, “As we develop an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will arise.” He added, “It will attract the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.” However, financial challenges have previously impeded progress. Dubai faced a financial crisis in 2009, triggered by the Great Recession, which necessitated a $20 billion bailout from Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the city-state is grappling with recovery efforts following the UAE’s heaviest rainfall on record, which disrupted flights and commerce for several days.”
