{"id":96365,"date":"2025-05-25T12:12:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T06:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=96365"},"modified":"2025-06-18T14:50:35","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T09:20:35","slug":"busiest-international-airport-in-the-world-to-close-by-2035","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/25\/busiest-international-airport-in-the-world-to-close-by-2035\/","title":{"rendered":"Busiest International Airport in the World to Close By 2035"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DUBAI-<\/strong> Dubai International Airport (DXB)<\/a>, the world\u2019s busiest international airport, is preparing for a historic transition. The UAE\u2019s main air hub, which served a record 92.3 million passengers in 2024, will eventually shut down operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All services at DXB will be transferred to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)<\/a>, located in Dubai World Central, as part of a massive \u00a328 billion expansion plan aimed at handling up to 260 million passengers annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dubai
Photo: Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

World\u2019s Busiest Airport to Close by 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest airport, has long been a cornerstone of global air travel, particularly for long-haul routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Established in 1960, DXB quickly grew into the busiest international airport in the world, with high passenger volumes year-round and strong connectivity through Emirates (EK)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the airport\u2019s location, surrounded by highways and residential zones, has left little room for significant growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision to eventually transition all operations to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) marks a new chapter in Dubai’s aviation strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located approximately 38 miles from DXB and 22 miles from downtown Dubai, DWC opened in 2010 with limited services focused on cargo and a few low-cost passenger routes, including some EasyJet (U2)<\/a> operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its early limited use, DWC is now positioned to become the largest airport in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Daily Mail<\/a>, DXB remains the global leader for international passenger traffic but is expected to wind down by 2050 as new infrastructure comes online at DWC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, stated that operating two major airports in close proximity lacks long-term viability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy then, every single asset at DXB will be close to the end of its useful operating role,\u201d he said during the Arabian Travel Market conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Compounded by Aviation A2Z<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Al Maktoum Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DWC\u2019s design prioritizes efficiency and passenger experience. The 70 sq.km airport will operate as a cluster of eight smaller terminals, with concourses extending like \u201ca pair of arms\u201d to accommodate future growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An underground train network will reduce internal transit times to 15 to 20 minutes, comparable to major urban rail systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technologies like contactless check-in, seamless baggage handling, and biometric immigration will make DWC a \u201ctechnological marvel,\u201d according to Dubai Airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its proximity to Dubai South\u2019s master-planned city is expected to create jobs and housing for up to one million people, boosting sectors like construction, tourism, and logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DWC expansion project is among the most ambitious in aviation history. When complete, the airport will feature five parallel runways and up to 400 aircraft gates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its planned capacity of 260 million passengers annually would be unmatched globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DWC\u2019s development timeline is phased. The new terminal is expected to open by 2032, with full expansion continuing into the 2050s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scale of this project reflects Dubai\u2019s intent to solidify its status as a global aviation and logistics hub for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transition aligns with broader efforts by the UAE to decentralize aviation activity and accommodate the country’s rapidly growing tourism and transport sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By VtTN – Own work, Dubai International Airport, T-3, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=26757914<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Impact on Travelers and Airlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For now, DXB remains Dubai\u2019s primary hub, with airlines like Emirates (EK) and British Airways (BA)<\/a> continuing popular UK routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transition to DWC will be gradual, with no disruptions expected for at least a decade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the shift will impact global carriers using DXB as a central hub, potentially rivaling mega airports in Istanbul, Doha, and Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UK travelers, who make up a significant portion of Dubai\u2019s 6.2 million daily visitors, will need to adjust to DWC\u2019s location, 45 kilometers south of the city, though improved infrastructure will ensure accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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