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| Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport: The World's Largest Terminal |
In a significant stride towards enhancing its aviation infrastructure, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently announced the approval of a groundbreaking project at Al Maktoum International Airport. With an estimated cost of 128 billion AED ($34.85 billion), the project aims to create the world's largest airport terminal.
About Al Maktoum International Airport
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, is a key airport in Dubai, UAE. As part of the Dubai World Central project, it is designed to be the world's largest airport by both passenger and cargo capacity. Commencing operations in 2010, it is projected to handle up to 160 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo annually upon completion.
Key Features of the New Terminal
The new terminal, situated in Dubai South, will be integrated into the Al Maktoum International Airport. It is set to become the primary hub for Emirates and Flydubai. Eventually, all operations from Dubai International Airport will be transferred to this new terminal.
- Capacity to handle up to 260 million passengers annually
- 400 aircraft gates
- Five parallel runways
- Expected to be five times larger than Dubai International Airport
Importance for Dubai's Aviation Sector
The project aims to cement Dubai's status as a global aviation hub, introducing cutting-edge aviation technologies. It will attract leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors, further boosting the city's economy.
Comparison with Other Airports
Upon completion, Al Maktoum International Airport will surpass other major airports in terms of passenger capacity:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (USA): 110.5 million passengers in 2019
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (China): 73.4 million passengers in 2019
- London Heathrow Airport (UK): 80.9 million passengers in 2019
About Dubai
Dubai, one of the UAE's seven emirates, is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. With an area of 4,114 square kilometers and a population of around 3.3 million, it is ruled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum since 2006. Dubai's economy thrives on trade, tourism, real estate, and financial services. It boasts attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall, along with the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic, Dubai International Airport.