Jakarta, ThedailyID — Dubai plans to permanently close Dubai International Airport (DXB) by 2035 as part of a major aviation expansion strategy centered on the city’s newer airport.
The decision does not reflect operational problems or declining passenger traffic. Instead, authorities want to shift all commercial flights to the much larger Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is undergoing a massive expansion project.
Dubai International Airport currently ranks among the world’s busiest international airports. In recent years, DXB has handled tens of millions of passengers annually and served as the primary hub for Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines.
However, officials say the airport has limited room for future expansion because dense urban development now surrounds the facility. As air travel demand continues to grow, Dubai believes Al Maktoum International offers a more sustainable long-term solution.
The UAE government unveiled plans to transform Al Maktoum International into one of the largest airports in the world. Once completed, the facility could accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, far exceeding DXB’s current capacity.
The expansion project includes five parallel runways and hundreds of aircraft gates. Authorities also plan to build new transportation links, residential areas, and logistics centers around the airport.
Dubai expects the project to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Officials believe the larger airport will support economic growth and rising tourism demand for decades.
The transition will occur gradually over the next several years. Airlines, cargo operators, and airport services will move to Al Maktoum International in phases before DXB eventually ceases operations.
Officials have not announced specific plans for the future of the DXB site. However, reports suggest the area could undergo large-scale redevelopment after airport operations end.
For now, Dubai International Airport will continue operating normally. The airport remains one of the busiest gateways for international travelers while the city prepares for its next chapter in global aviation.
