All operations that run through the busy travel hub will be transferred to the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). DWC is currently undergoing a huge £28 billion development, with it set to become the world’s largest air hub.
The switch will see all flights and services that depart and land at DXB move to DWC, including those of Dubai-based Emirates and flydubai.
When work is complete the airport in Dubai World Central is expected to handle an annual passenger capacity of up to 260 million people, making it the largest in the world.
It comes in a move for the country to have dominance in global air travel and logistics.
The expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) includes five parallel runways and up to 400 aircraft gates.
According to information published by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the infrastructure developer for Dubai’s aviation sector, plans 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”.
Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths reiterated these plans saying: “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.”
The closure of DXB is partly because the airport is sandwiched between two major highways and residential neighbourhoods, hence it is impossible to expand.
The move to DWC is expected to occur arround 2032, however according to reports the full project will not be complete until 2057.
It has also been concerned that DWC will have a link to the upcoming Etihad Rail High Speed Rail, which will make journeys between Dubai and Abu Dhabi only 30 minutes long.
