Dubai airport set to reach 100 millionth passenger milestone in 18 months, says CEO

Dubai Airports will start moving some of the airlines from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Dubai World Central over the next few years as it reaches it full capacity, its chief executive said on Tuesday.

“As we run out of slots at DXB, which obviously at some stage over the next few years, then we’ll move some of the airlines to DWC, and obviously flydubai will be one of the first movers. We're working to put facilities to enable that move,” Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports said on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025 press conference on Tuesday.

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In April 2024, the Dubai government announced that all operations at DXB will be transferred to Al Maktoum International (DWC). A new Dh128-billion passenger terminal at the DWC will scale up passenger capacity to 260 million annually and “fully absorb” DXB's operations in 10 years.

He added that it would be a phased move and won't be a in one go. “The integration between Emirates and flydubai is getting closer and closer all the time, so we've got to manage that in a very careful way, not to cause any disruption or operational irregularities,” he said.

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“We're working towards the 2032 date, because by the time we get to 2031, DXB will be at about 114-115 million, which is probably the maximum capacity that we're likely to be able to get from DXB. When we make the full transition to DWC in 2032, the number will be 124 million. So we do need that full facility to be open, because we're going to be stretching the limits of capacity at DXB. We're already putting in more stands in the midfield of DXB to accommodate more aircraft and the check-in facilities, etc,” Griffiths added during the interview.

“We're working very hard on new technology, which will speed people through the airport. If we can reduce the time that people are going through all of the processes, then we can increase both speed and convenience to customers, and that gives us a big increase in capacity,” he added.

Currently, DXB — the world’s largest international passenger airport — is fast approaching its full capacity. Hence, some of the airlines will relocate to Al Maktoum airport.

During an interview with the reporters, Dubai Airports CEO said they’re already engaged in the concept of operation study that's going to take a few years to finalize, and part of that study will be the activation programme. “We've always been very, very strict indeed on making absolutely sure that the infrastructure is fit for purpose before we open it to our guests. We are very, very concerned, and we will test and test and retest every single system process,” he said.

100 million milestone in 18 months

While delivering a keynote speech at the Dubai Airshow 2025 press conference, he said Dubai International airport is expected to reach the 100 million passenger mark over the next 18 months, said Griffiths.

“And of course, the growth here in the UAE, especially in Dubai, continues to break all records. Over the next 18 months, DXB alone expects to cross the amazing 100-million-passenger mark, and we're very proud to be the global hub of choice for so many people,” he said.

Dubai International (DXB) set a new benchmark in global aviation, receiving 92.3 million guests in 2024 – the highest annual traffic ever recorded in its history.

He added that the Dubai Airshow has become not just a major international platform, but a centre of innovation where great ideas take flight.

He noted that this year's edition is held under the theme of 'The Future is Here', which is saying and showcasing to the world that Dubai is the centre of excellence and innovation, which shows the way for others to follow.

“We'll demonstrate the latest advancements across a key range of different topics that are vital to our shared future. Sustainability will be a major part of the show. We are hosting one of the most amazing developments in airports and aerospace engineering,” said the CEO of Dubai Airports.

• Dubai

Waheed Abbas

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

Waheed Abbas is Assistant Editor, covering real estate, aviation and other business stories that directly affect the lives of UAE consumers. He frequently reports human interest stories, too.