Dubai International Airport to Close as Operations Move to New Mega-Hub

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest airport, will gradually close as flights and services shift to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). This process is expected to finish by 2032 when the new airport is fully operational. DXB handled 92.3 million passengers last year, making it a key global aviation center for decades. The future of the large DXB site near downtown Dubai is still being planned.

Since its opening in 1960 with just a sand runway, DXB grew into a major international airport known for its luxury shopping and smooth travel experience. However, the airport is now limited by space. Surrounded by highways and residential areas, it cannot expand further to meet growing demand. To solve this, UAE officials decided to move operations to DWC, located 38 miles south of DXB.

DWC will be a state-of-the-art airport with 400 aircraft gates, more than ten times DXB’s current capacity. It is designed to handle 260 million passengers yearly, making it the world’s largest airport once completed. This shift reflects Dubai’s long-term plans to support growth and innovation in air travel.

The large DXB site offers many possibilities for reuse. Dubai is known for bold urban projects, so repurposing the 7,200-acre area is expected to be creative and ambitious. One idea is to turn the airport into a large urban park with shaded walkways, gardens, and spaces for leisure and events. This idea is inspired by Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, which closed in 2008 and became a vast public park used for sports, festivals, and community activities.

Another possibility is to create a futuristic urban neighborhood. The airport area could become a high-tech community blending homes, offices, and entertainment spaces. Smart streets, AI-powered services, and rooftop event venues could make it a unique and connected place to live. Similar projects include the Kai Tak Development in Hong Kong, which transformed a former airport into a waterfront neighborhood with parks and schools.

Although it will take years before DXB closes completely, Dubai’s leadership is exploring options for the site that fit the city’s innovative and luxury-focused identity. The airport that once never slept will be transformed into a new urban space where residents and visitors can enjoy modern life surrounded by the history of aviation.