Dubai Gears Up for Historic Airport Transition to Al Maktoum International
October 9, 2025
Dubai is preparing for one of the largest airport transitions in aviation history, as the city gradually shifts operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to the new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul Griffiths said that the upcoming handover phase will require an expanded workforce, larger than that of a single airport, to ensure smooth operations during the transition.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Griffiths called the move a major operational challenge, noting that some employees may even delay their retirements to support the process.
A Landmark Shift in Global Aviation
In April 2024, the Dubai government confirmed plans to transfer all passenger operations from DXB to DWC as part of a Dh128-billion expansion project. Once fully completed, the new terminal at Al Maktoum International will have the capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually, positioning Dubai as the world’s leading aviation hub for decades to come.
Currently, Dubai International Airport remains the busiest airport in the world for international travelers, having handled 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025 — including 22.5 million in the second quarter, a 3.1% increase year-on-year. April was the busiest month of the quarter, recording eight million travelers, the highest-ever for that month.
Gradual Move and Staffing Challenges
Griffiths revealed that airlines will begin shifting operations to DWC over the next few years as DXB reaches its full capacity. He estimated that Dubai International will handle 100 million passengers within 18 months, and about 115 million by 2031, before operations are fully relocated to DWC by 2032.
“One of our biggest challenges will be managing the overlap between both airports,” Griffiths said following the Dubai Airshow 2025 press briefing. “We’ll need to maintain full staffing at DXB while preparing DWC for operations. This means we’ll likely need more than one airport’s worth of staff during the transition.”
Construction and Future Outlook
Earlier this year, Dubai began awarding key construction and development contracts for the Al Maktoum International expansion, signaling the start of the city’s most ambitious aviation project to date.
With its massive new terminal, cutting-edge facilities, and capacity to accommodate next-generation aircraft, Al Maktoum International Airport is set to redefine the future of global air travel and reinforce Dubai’s status as a world-class aviation hub.
