Dubai aims to create the world’s largest airport.

Dubai aims to develop the world’s largest airport on Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central. The mega-airport, 20 miles southwest of central Dubai, was designed to handle 160 million passengers and 12 million tons of freight. This ambitious endeavor seeks to cement Dubai’s worldwide economic dominance. Despite its 2011 cargo opening and importance in aircraft maintenance and repair, Al Maktoum International Airport has few regular passenger services, mostly run by low-cost carriers. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths proposed technology upgrades and refurbishments to increase DXB’s capacity. This strategy should add 20 million passengers to DXB’s 100 million yearly capacity. Griffiths accepted the need for a new airport in the 2030s due to capacity saturation. While mega-airport projects are underway, Griffiths suggested a modular strategy to gradual expansion, deviating from typical airport business models. Dubai South’s “aerotropolis” with eight industry-specific districts will revolve around the new airport. Emirates and flyDubai’s move to the new airport will be a milestone, although the timetable is unknown. This strategic move positions Dubai as a top tourism destination in response to shifting global air travel and trade dynamics. Countries in the Middle East are competing to build major airports to boost economic growth and global connectivity. Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have airport expansion projects.