Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is worth a staggering AED120 billion ($33 billion). It took off in 2010 for cargo operations and opened its doors to passengers in 2013. The airport, aka Dubai World Central (DWC), has its sights set on becoming the largest airport in the world. As envisioned by Dubai South, the urban master developer. And here are all the details you need to know about it.

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What Are The Expansion Plans for Al Maktoum International Airport?

The expansion plans for Al Maktoum International Airport is to be considered Dubai’s most ambitious construction endeavour. And is now being considered for a restart. This would undeniably give a tremendous boost to Dubai’s economy and booming tourism.

According to Dubai South’s tweet, “#DubaiSouth will be the ultimate hub, boasting the world’s largest airport once it’s fully realised. It will seamlessly connect air, land, and sea while providing a business-friendly free zone and a wide range of residential options.”

#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

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When Will It Begin Its Operations?

DWC aims to soar high and become the world’s largest airport by 2050, with a whopping capacity to serve up to 255 million passengers annually. The first phase of expansion, expected to be completed by 2030, will ramp up the airport’s capacity to accommodate 130 million passengers per year. The entire project will span across an impressive area of 56 square kilometres.

The recent recovery in passenger numbers, with Dubai International handling 66.1 million passengers in 2022, has paved the way for expansion possibilities. Dubai predicts around 78 million passengers to utilise the airport this year, with a full return to pre-pandemic levels anticipated by 2024.

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