Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest, is expected to shut down in the future, officials confirmed.
CEO Paul Griffiths said all flight operations will eventually move to the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
He emphasised there’s no need for two major airports operating so close to each other.A closure date hasn’t been set, but the transition is tied to the new airport’s full expansion.
Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market, Griffiths described DXB as nearing the end of its operational lifespan.
He explained that maintaining the 65-year-old airport would require an enormous investment.
He confirmed DWC will fully take over once completed and is capable.
Al Maktoum International has been handling cargo since 2010 and passengers since 2013.
A $35 billion investment will transform it into the world’s largest airport.
Plans include five runways and the ability to serve 260 million passengers annually.
This would make it five times larger than DXB.
DXB’s closure will open up land for redevelopment in central Dubai.
Griffiths said the airport land could help expand the city’s infrastructure.
He stated, “DXB will close and we’ll redevelop the area. It will spread the city out.”
No plans have been finalised for the land’s use.
The city sees over 6 million British tourists each year, with daily flights from major UK cities.
British Airways and Emirates currently fly from Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham.
Despite its critics, Dubai remains a leading global travel hub.
