Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) has announced progress on the Al Maktoum International Airport development project, with several key contracts awarded and others in the tender phase, reported WAM.
DACC’s executive chair Khalifa Al Zaffin has affirmed the ongoing progress of the project since its master plan received approval in April 2024.
Speaking at Dubai's Airport Show 2025, Al Zaffin detailed the project's current status, including the awarding of contracts for enabling works and the construction of a second runway.
The project, which is a significant component of the Dubai Economic Agenda, is advancing, with the automated people mover system and baggage handling system now entering the tender phase.
Al Zaffin anticipates the formal awarding of these contracts later in the year and highlighted the upcoming tenders for essential infrastructure such as foundations, concrete works, central cooling stations, and 132kV substations.
Under the supervision of the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects body, which is in charge of infrastructure development and construction, the airport's development is on schedule.
This phase of the project includes the construction of a passenger terminal and four concourses, which will increase the airport's capacity to 150 million passengers annually, with a long-term goal of accommodating 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo yearly.
The development is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating thousands of jobs.
The 70km² airport will feature more than 400 aircraft gates, an automated transport system, and advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and biometric identification.
Al Zaffin also emphasised the project's commitment to sustainability, aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
He addressed the operational transition from Dubai International Airport, stating that the move will be integrated and simultaneous to prevent disruptions. An executive transition programme is reportedly being coordinated with all stakeholders involved.
Additionally, the city's Roads and Transport Authority is working on short- and medium-term solutions to alleviate traffic congestion around Dubai International Airport, the report stated.
