The first phase in the development of Dubai’s second international airport has been completed and the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport has welcomed its first commercial flight. The airport will be the largest in the world with an annual passenger capacity of 160 million when it is fully completed.
The airport is part of the Dubai World Central site, a €23 billion project that is due for completion in 2020. The new Aviation District, which surrounds the airport, will function as a free zone specialising in logistics as well as providing residential clusters.
The opening of Dubai’s second airport is timely as the winner of the host city of Expo 2020 is due to be announced at the end of November. Dubai’s status as a two-airport destination can only help to strengthen its bid.