Latest news with #AlMaktoumInternational
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The world's busiest airport is shutting down – here's what happens next
When Dubai International (DXB) first opened in 1960, its runway was a strip of compacted sand. Fast forward 65 years and it's the busiest airport on the planet, processing 92.3 million passengers last year alone. More of a luxury shopping mall with planes, DXB far outshines any of our British airports and if, like Tom Hanks in The Terminal, you were ever stranded there, you probably wouldn't mind too much. Where else can you buy a Rolex, a Rolls-Royce and a McChicken sandwich before your 3am boarding call? It's basically The Ritz with baggage claim. Unsurprisingly, though, it's beginning to feel the strain. Hemmed in by highways and residential areas, DXB has nowhere to bulge, so last April UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that operations would slowly be phased across to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), located 38 miles to the south of DXB, when its expansion is completed in 2032. Backed by the desert, this hyper-modern, AI-purring, mega-hub will be aviation's new darling with 400 aircraft gates (compared to the current 29) and poised to handle 260 million passengers per year once it's fully operational. With DXB being gently nudged aside like a beloved grandparent who's just a little too slow for today's high-speed air travel, what will become of the empty site? Dubai isn't the kind of city to let 7,200 acres of prime urban real estate, just a 15-minute drive from downtown, gather sand. This is a place that built a ski slope in the desert and named islands after continents. They dream big, so something more innovative and headline-worthy is also likely. We game-planned some potential scenarios and explored how other decommissioned airports around the world have been reinvented to see where Dubai might take inspiration. Let's taxi down the runway of possibilities. Scenario 1: The World's Swankiest Urban Park Authorities could take the urban park route. Think Central Park meets Blade Runner. Runways transformed into broad palm-shaded boulevards for cycling, jogging and e-scooting, lined smart-cooling systems to tackle the desert heat. Concourse areas housing indoor gardens or vertical farms, and terminal buildings transformed into co-working hives crowned with rooftop restaurants playing vintage boarding announcements for hipster ASMR. Green, futuristic and, of course, wildly Instagrammable. Berlin Tempelhof is a masterclass in adaptive reuse. Once one of Europe's busiest airports, it played a heroic role in the Berlin Airlift – where British and American forces delivered supplies to West Berlin during the Cold War Soviet blockade. It closed in 2008 and now lives on as the 950-acre Tempelhofer Feld, one of the world's largest urban open spaces. Locals rollerblade down its runways, fly kites across the former airfields, and gather for festivals and community events in the former aircraft hangars. Its massive terminal buildings now host trade fairs and exhibitions – from art shows to tech summits – and even emergency housing at times of crisis. And, more recently, Berlin Tegel – the capital's primary international airport that closed in 2021 and was replaced by Berlin Brandenburg Airport – is now being converted into Urban Tech Republic, a research and green technology hub for start-ups. Like Tempelhof, Croydon was one of Europe's big three pre-Second World War airports (alongside Paris-Le Bourget), and they've leaned into the vintage vibes – turning their Grade II-listed terminal into an aviation history centre and occasionally hiring it out for period film sets due to its well-preserved Art Deco architecture. It works because it's got that old-school charm. DXB, on the other hand, is more sci-fi than sepia, and too sleek and modern to pull off the retro museum look. Scenario 2: An Airport City Dubai is facing a housing shortage due to a surge in population and a booming economy, so there's a high probability it might be converted into a futuristic urban neighbourhood: a hyper-connected 'aerotropolis' that blends tech, luxury lifestyle and sustainability with Dubai's signature ambition. It could be a place where residents interact with city services through personalised AI assistants – booking health appointments, making restaurant reservations, or ordering drone deliveries like those currently in use in Shenzhen, China. Where former runways become smart boulevards with kinetic pavements (to harvest footstep energy) and AI-optimized public transport and cohesive communities host rooftop parties in the former air traffic control tower or attend TED talks in aeroplane hangars rebranded as 'creative event domes'. Hong Kong's Kai Tak Airport is the closest match. Once the stuff of pilot legends (and passenger nightmares) thanks to its nerve-jangling landings over apartment blocks, it shut down in 1998 and got a serious facelift. Now called the Kai Tak Development, it's a massive waterfront neighbourhood made up of schools and residential apartments organised along the old runway, which now hosts cruise ships instead of 747s, and framed by the verdant Sky Garden. A handful of others have followed suit. In Greece, the former Ellinikon International Airport near Athens is in the process of becoming one of Europe's largest urban regeneration projects. Already partially opened as the Ellinikon Experience Park, the site is set to include luxury housing, cultural venues, sports facilities, and one of the Mediterranean's largest coastal parks. And Stapleton Airport in Denver, Colorado, is now a walkable neighbourhood with schools and parks, where the airport's control tower has been converted into a restaurant as a playful nod to its high-flying past. For the moment, DXB's future is all conjecture. 'It should be stressed that the closure of DXB is only a distant prospect at the moment. It's too far into the future to make the decision now,' said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. 'But if a bigger Heathrow was built just up the road, would you keep both open? Probably not, is the answer – it's operationally difficult and costly to maintain two mega airports, when one satisfies a city's needs, and if the site was converted into park or a development, it would allow the northern part of Dubai to go high-rise – but those are options that the Dubai Government will no doubt consider in due course.' It'll be fifteen years at least before any real changes take place, but it's not hard to imagine the kids that will play tag on turf where jumbo jets once touched down; travellers lazing in cafés where execs once stress-scrolled emails; and yes – TikTokers posing under the vintage departure boards (#RetroRunway). The airport that once never slept will finally chill out, reborn as a smart, stylish, sun-soaked urban playground. DXB won't fade – it'll reinvent, Dubai-style: bigger, bolder and with better Wi-Fi. Goodbye takeoffs, hello glow-up. So here's to you, DXB: no delays, no turbulence – just clear skies ahead.
Gulf Insider
30-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Starts Awarding Contracts for Al Maktoum International
Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai has started awarding contracts for Al Maktoum International – which will be the world's largest airport upon completion. 'We did assign contracts and work has really started since His Highness gave the go-ahead over a year ago,' said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the airport with a final capacity of 260 million. All operations at Dubai International (DXB) will be transferred to Dh128-billion Al Maktoum International (DWC) which will 'fully absorb' DXB's operations in 10 years. 'DXB will continue to serve as the primary hub to meet the needs of 100 million plus guests', the operator of both airports said in a previous press release. 'When we talk about airports of that size, we have to think about how complex that can be. In Dubai, we have been engaging with teams of our two local airlines, airports and dnata and also other airlines that operate here and putting together the plan that lets us make it perfect on the day of the opening. That will, of course, take an extensive programme ahead of the opening date,' said Sheikh Ahmed. 'Just because of the size (of the airport), on the training side, opening for that day, maybe we need about 12 months,' he said, adding that even for the existing terminals, it took around 3-4 months preparations for opening day. 'Because we don't want to see any hiccups on that day.' In an interview with selected local media outlets on Tuesday, Sheikh Ahmed said 2024-25 will be 'another record year' for Emirates Group in terms of numbers. Emirates Group reported its best-ever financial performance with a record profit of Dh18.7 billion last year, up 71 per cent from last year. The group revenue increased 15 per cent to a new high of Dh137.3 billion, driven by strong customer demand across its businesses. It ended 2023-24 highest-ever cash balance of Dh47.1 billion. 'We are very satisfied when it comes to our cash reserves on the airline side,' he said. He noted that the airline also did very well when it comes to hedging fuel. On the retrofitting of the aircraft, he said that the world's largest international carrier is refitting 90 per cent of its fleet. 'We have 261 aircraft, we have over 300 as a new order coming to the team,' he said, hinting that the airline may place an order for more aircraft at the upcoming Dubai Airshow later this year. 'There will be some new announcements at the Dubai Airshow. We are thinking along those lines,' he said. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group during the press conference at Emirates Pavillion during the second day of the Arabian Travel Market at Dubai World Trade Centre on April 29, 2025. Photo: Muhammad Sajjad In reply to a question about the impact of the global tariff row, Sheikh Ahmed said it is a 'bit early for me to prejudge as we speak today. But I always remain very optimistic. I don't think it affects business. Business is as usual.' He said that some companies and countries are shipping cargo from one place to another due to tariff issues. 'I think sometimes it could be because of a proactive approach by them in a way before things happen. There is nothing wrong with that, not to wait after things happen. I remain optimistic things will be clear and it will be a good 2025.' Emirates chief said the airline is doing 'very well in terms of traffic and seat factor on every point on the whole network. People want to fly. I didn't see any shift in terms of decline in number of people as of today.' While talking about the impact of geopolitical tension, Sheikh Ahmed said airlines are quick and are used to 'quick reaction.' 'The world would never be free from issues that we will always need to be alert all the time. We're seeing this lately within the region and Europe. You have to deal with it,' he added. Also read: Dubai Gold Price Drops – Again – Ahead of April 30's 'Akshaya Trithiya'
Arabian Business
10-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Al Maktoum International Airport
Al Maktoum International Airport The initiative supports Dubai's goal of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) Al Maktoum International Airport Trips from Dubai Airports expected to reach over 8 million by 2029; Projected revenue contribution of $680 million over five years Al Maktoum International Airport Al Maktoum International Airport maintains its position as the busiest airport for business aviation movements in the Middle East AB Majlis Griffiths revealed his plans to transform the air travel experience, with seamless transitions between city stations and automated airport formalities Abu Dhabi Airports UAE aviation sector sees continued growth in 2024 as airports expand and airlines grow Abha International Airport Saudi visa update, UAE petrol prices, Dubai real estate strategy, GCC airport upgrades and more of the top news stories this week Abha International Airport Countries across the Arabian Gulf have put airports at the heart of ambitious tourism plans Abu Dhabi Dubai real estate analysis, RTA announce new speed limits, Coldplay launch Abu Dhabi shows and more of the top news stories this week Al Maktoum International Sheikh Mohammed announces $2.7bn expansion for Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai Al Maktoum International Private jet flights at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South tipped to hit 18,000 this year Al Maktoum International Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport to host MEBAA 2024 air show in December Al Maktoum International Emarat will supply Emirates with aviation fuel at Al Maktoum International Airport Al Maktoum International Al Maktoum International Airport is set to boost Dubai real estate, economy and tourism say experts Al Maktoum International Outstanding schools in Dubai, UAE petrol prices, a booming real estate market, rain and fog forecasts and more of the top news stories this week Al Maktoum International Airport Projects will include 'expanding capacity, new commercial partnerships, additional lounges, more transportation spaces and rearranging remote gate locations,' the report said, citing Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports Al Maktoum International Airport The tool analyses real-time data to predict future consumption of spare parts for maintenance works Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai South has seen a 22.8% increase in rental yields over the pas six months, with property valuations reaching AED211.4 million
Khaleej Times
10-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's 'airport city' to create thousands of jobs as new passenger terminal takes shape
Dubai South developers anticipate a surge in population over the next 'two to three years' as the Emirate's new airport terminal takes shape, a top official has said. Currently home to around 25,000 residents, the residential district of the master development will house over one million people expected to move to the area once the airport opens. The Dh128-billion passenger terminal at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) will 'fully absorb' the current Dubai airport's operation over the next decade. Dubai is building an aerotropolis — an airport city — to cater to this demand. As reported by Khaleej Times, Dubai South is already among the top five areas in demand for new developments across the emirate. 'The announcement of the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport last year has further amplified demand for properties in Dubai South,' Nabil Al Kindi, CEO of Dubai South Properties, told Khaleej Times. 'As more job opportunities will be created in the area, consequently, there will be more demand for properties in Dubai South. We expect this momentum to sustain with early investors expected to benefit the most.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The 145 sq km master development is Dubai's largest, focusing on the aviation and logistics sectors, with mixed-use and residential communities. With its ecosystem offering up to 500,000 job opportunities, it will have a 'multi-modal transport infrastructure connecting air, land, and sea', according to its website. Once the new airport becomes fully operational, Al Kindi expects the development to emerge as a 'key hub' for future growth and development. 'There is no doubt that the completion of the airport will significantly increase the employment opportunities in Dubai South area and act as a catalyst for new properties, offices, retail, hospitals and other social infrastructure.' The community features multiple residential options like villas, townhouses, mansions, and apartments. 'Since its establishment, the company has successfully launched numerous projects that garnered significant interest, achieving complete sell-outs. These projects include The Pulse Apartments, The Pulse Villas, The Pulse Beachfront, South Bay, South Living, and Sakany,' said Al Kindi. Phase 1 of The Pulse Beachfront that comprises 288 units was completed recently. The developer is on track to deliver an additional 500 units across other phases of the same project by the end of H1 2025.
