The first phase of Dubai's new Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) is set to be completed by 2032.
In an announcement made on Thursday, Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the first phase will include the construction of a new passenger terminal, along with four concourses.
"Several major packages required for the first phase of the project — including the Automated People Mover (APM) and the Baggage Handling System (BHS) - are currently in the tendering stage, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year," his statement added.
"Additionally, the terminal substructure, early 132kV substations, and district cooling plants are the next packages to be tendered this year, laying the foundation for the subsequent phases of delivery."
The completion of the first phase will increase capacity of Al Maktoum International Airport to approximately 150 million passenger annually.
The airport is set to reach a target capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year when it is fully functional. "This ambitious project is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, driving long-term economic growth, fostering innovation, and reinforcing Dubai’s global competitiveness in aviation and beyond," he said.
Al Zaffin said the transition from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport will take place as a "single, seamless move to avoid operational challenges and minimise disruption for passengers".
It was in April last year that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, announced the "approval of the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport".
"Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the world's largest capacity, reaching up to 260 million passengers. It will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, and all operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to it in the coming years," he had posted on social media at the time.
"The airport will accommodate 400 aircraft gates and feature five parallel runways. New aviation technologies will be employed for the first time in the aviation sector. As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world's leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.
"We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn. Dubai will be the world's airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global center."
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