Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest international airport, is set to permanently close in 2035, with all operations transferring to the nearby Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The move comes after more than 85 years of service, as the airport prepares to shut down for good.
Massive Relocation Plan
All flights and services currently operating through DXB will relocate to DWC, which is undergoing a massive £28 billion transformation. The expansion includes plans to become the world's largest aviation hub, featuring five parallel runways and up to 400 aircraft gates. Once completed, DWC is expected to serve an annual passenger capacity of up to 260 million travellers.
The transition will involve major Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai moving their operations to the new hub. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths stated: "There is little sense in operating two major hubs with such close proximity to one another. We will move every single service to DWC. By then, every single asset at DXB will be close to the end of its useful operating role, so the economics of keeping DXB open will not be possible unless we invest a huge amount of money."
Reasons for Closure
The closure of DXB is partly due to the airport being hemmed in between two major motorways and residential areas, making expansion impossible. The switch to DWC is anticipated to take place around 2032, although reports suggest the entire project won't be finished until 2057.
Future Connectivity
DWC will have a link to the forthcoming Etihad Rail High Speed Rail network, which aims to cut journey times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to just 30 minutes. According to Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), proposals for DWC include "a new era of smart airport systems and passenger-centric facilities, taking travellers to worldwide destinations in the most awe-inspiring and comfortable way possible."
