Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Dubai’s Mega Airport & Global Future Hub

Dubai has a leading position in the tourism industry, aviation, and development. However, expansion is necessary to maintain its position among the top aviation hubs around the globe. Al Maktoum International Airport is a project that will define the future of aviation in Dubai. DWC, designed to be the largest airport in the world, will change the aviation, tourism and logistics infrastructure of the region.

Overview

Dubai Airport Change: DWC to Replace DXB

DXB to Close Eventually

Dubai International Airport, DXB will no longer be operating in the near future. All flights including Emirates will now move to Dubai World Central Airport.

Why?

• DXB has reached its physical maximum expansion limit
• DWC 5x bigger
• DWC can handle more aircraft in an hour
• DWC is a supporter of future mobility (autonomous vehicles, APMs, rail)

Garhoud Redevelopment Project

Garhoud will be open for business once DXB shuts down.

• Commercial centres
• Residential developments
• Entertainment zones
• Mega-parks public

Dubai’s urban environment will be reshaped by this project.

Location (DWC)

Al Maktoum International Airport is situated in Jebel Al, within the Dubai South District. It’s located around 70km southwest of Dubai International Airport. The airport is located near highways such as E11, E311, E611, which provide quick access to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The location of Jebel Al Port, and the future rail link makes it an important hub for logistics and travel.

Transport — How to reach Al Maktoum Airport

By Road

Accessible via:

• Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)
• Emirates Road E611
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)

By Public Transport

Metro + Bus

Closest station: Ibn Battuta Metro Station
Take:

• F55 Bus DWC
• F55A bus from Satwa to DWC

Shuttle between DXB and DWC

• Shuttle service for free
• Every 30 Minutes
• Operating 24/7
• All terminals are connected at DXB-DWC

Car Rentals 

Brands available:

• AVIS
• Dollar
• Europcar
• Hertz
• Thrifty
• National

Parking Charges at Al Maktoum Airport (DWC)

Construction Phases of Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai Media Office confirmed that DWC will be launching a megaproject in three stages.

Phase 1: Completion by 2032

Highlights

• Building Construction at West Terminal Building
• Concourse 1 Development (2.3 Million sqm).
• Contact Gates 100
• APM underground station 4
• New Runways 2 and 3.
• Underground baggage system
• Road networks dedicated to GS vehicles
• Infrastructure support:
  • Centres for energy
  • Fire stations
  • Facilities for catering and maintenance

Estimated capacity after Phase 1

130 million passengers per annum

DXB has already surpassed its current traffic of 92+ million.

Phase 2: Expansion of 150 million passengers

Highlights

• Concourse 2, parallel to Concourse 1, is being constructed
• 200+ contact gates total
• New APM Stations
• Extended baggage, cargo and ground support systems

Estimated Capacity

Every year, 150 Million Passengers are transported.

Final phase – World’s largest airport (260 million passengers)

Highlights

• East Terminal Construction
• The development of Concourses 3, 4
• Expansion of internal APM to 14 stations
• Dubai Metro extension planned
• Etihad Rail integration
• Five runways completed
• Four simultaneous landing capability
• More than 400 aircraft gates
• Area total: 70 sq. km.

Estimated final capacity

• Every year, 260 million passengers travel by air.
  
• Cargo volume of 12 Million Tones
• DWC will take over DXB’s operations once DXB is completed.

Al Maktoum International Airport: Facilities

Current Facilities Available

Dining & Food Outlets

Quick-service restaurants, cafés, and other eateries.

Duty-Free Shopping

• Cosmetics
• Liquor
• Confectionery
• Electronics

Financial Services

• Exchange rates
• Bank kiosks
• ATMs

Traveller Assistance

• Marhaba meet & greet
• Wheelchair Assistance
• Families-friendly service

Essential Amenities

• Prayer Room
• Medical Centres
• Spacious car parking

Operational Key Features

Runway System

• Five parallel runways
• 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
• Zero-cross taxiway design
• The A380 and other wide-body aircraft can be handled by this system

Cargo & Logistics Capacity

• Twelve million tons of cargo capacity
• Jebel Ali Port Integrated
• Perfect for global logistics & e-commerce

Passenger Terminal Features

• Five Future Terminals
• There are 400+ gates
• Desert-dune inspired design
• LEED Certified Architecture
• Skylights with large openings and efficient systems

Current Airlines & Destinations

DWC provides routes for:

• Copenhagen
• Prague
• Newcastle
• Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart
• Milan
• Luxembourg
• Male (Maldives)
• Amsterdam
• Oslo
• Katowice
• Bucharest
• Jeddah, Riyadh
• Stockholm
• Zurich

Fly Dubai and Wizz Air are two of the most popular airlines. Cargo operators, seasonal charters, and other carriers also exist.

Important Distances

• Distance between DXB and DWC: 64.7 km
• Travel time: ~40 minutes

Contact Information 

Phone: +971-4-877-3618
Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai South

Conclusion

Al Maktoum International Airport is poised to revolutionize global aviation thanks to its advanced technology and state-of-the art passenger facilities. Travellers can look forward to faster services and connections as Dubai moves from DXB into this new mega hub. DWC, with its sustainable design and expansion plans, is more than just an airport. It’s the future for air travel, not only in Dubai, but worldwide.

Also Read: Dubai Mall Cinema – Complete Guide for Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall

FAQs

What is the number of runways at DWC?

Four simultaneous landings are possible with the Five.

Will DWC replace DXB?

All operations will be transferred to DWC eventually.

When will DWC’s new facility be fully completed?

By 2032, the terminal will be completed.

How far is the nearest Metro station?

Ibn Battuta Metro Station.

Is shuttle service available?

You can take the shuttle to and from DXB or DWC at any time.