Al Maktoum, Dubai's Future Mega Airport

The programme approved in April 2024

On 28 April 2024, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the plans for the new passenger terminal and the start of works, for AED 128 billion. The programme provides, in the long run, for a capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year, five parallel runways and a 70 km2 footprint. A first phase, announced as ready "within ten years" with a capacity of 150 million passengers, is now referenced for 2032.

The official release states that all Dubai International (DXB) operations will transfer to Al Maktoum "in the coming years", with no binding timeline published. The DXB closure dates circulating in the press are extrapolations. The chief executive of Dubai Airports said as much at the announcement: DXB will remain the primary hub while the second phase of DWC takes shape. And indeed, DXB handled 95.2 million passengers in 2025, its all-time record.

Where the construction stands

The figures published on 15 June 2026 give the measure of the works: more than 17,000 concrete piles, over 45 million m3 of earthworks, around 4.5 million m3 of concrete works and more than 10 million hours worked over fifteen months. A second runway was completed in 2026, intended to allow the rehabilitation of the existing runway.

On contracts, AED 13 billion were under execution in June 2026, with more than AED 55 billion to be awarded by the end of the year. Around 9,000 people were then working on site, against an expected peak of some 120,000.

DWC today: what is operational

Opened to cargo in 2010 and to passengers in 2013, DWC operates today with a 4,500-metre main runway certified CAT IIIB, able to accommodate all aircraft types including the A380.

Five FBOs and an aerospace hub

This is DWC's real strength for business aviation. The airport has five private terminals: DC Aviation Al-Futtaim and ExecuJet in standalone terminals, with Jet Aviation, Falcon Aviation and Jetex sharing a terminal split into three sections. DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, the first to arrive in 2013, operates a 1,300 m2 VVIP lounge and two hangars. ExecuJet opened in early 2025 a 15,000 m2 terminal with a 7,000 m2 climate-controlled hangar, within the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, a free zone of more than 8.5 km2 dedicated to aerospace.

DWC also hosts the sector's major gatherings: the Dubai Airshow, which brought together more than 1,500 exhibitors in November 2025, and the MEBAA Show, whose eleventh edition is scheduled for 8 to 10 December 2026. See the role of the private terminal (FBO).

DWC or DXB for a private jet?

Contrary to a widespread belief, private jets are not banned at DXB and business aviation has not left it: ExecuJet and Jet Aviation still operate private terminals there. The real mechanism is different. DXB has been slot-coordinated at level 3 since 2010, the most constraining level: slots are scarce at peak hours. DWC, under a simple facilitation regime and open 24/7, offers scheduling flexibility that DXB cannot provide at peak. The shift towards DWC therefore results from saturation and an incentive policy, not from a ban. Permit requirements, for their part, are identical at both airports.

Reaching Dubai with IBC Aviation

The choice between DWC and DXB is made case by case, depending on timing, slot availability and your final destination in the emirate. We handle the flights, the slots and the ground handling. See our Dubai Al Maktoum airport page, our Dubai destination and our concierge service. Our Dubai office, backed by our presence in Fujairah, ensures local proximity in the Emirates.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and arrange your journey to or from Dubai. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Bangkok: +66 81 808 2866
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

When will Al Maktoum be completed?

No full completion date has been published. The programme approved in April 2024 refers to a first phase of 150 million passengers now placed in 2032, for a target capacity of 260 million in the long run.

Will Dubai International close?

The official release states that DXB operations will transfer to Al Maktoum "in the coming years", with no binding timeline. DXB remains the primary hub and handled 95.2 million passengers in 2025, its record.

Are private jets banned at Dubai International?

No. ExecuJet and Jet Aviation still operate private terminals there. DXB has, however, been slot-coordinated at level 3 since 2010, which makes slots scarce at peak and pushes part of business aviation towards DWC.

How many FBOs are there at Al Maktoum?

Five: DC Aviation Al-Futtaim and ExecuJet in standalone terminals, plus Jet Aviation, Falcon Aviation and Jetex sharing a terminal in three sections.

How far is DWC from Dubai?

About 40 minutes by road from central Dubai, and a little over an hour from Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic.