The ruler of Dubai has approved plans for Al Maktoum International Airport, which will have capacity for 260 million passengers. According to Colm McLoughlin, the outgoing boss of Dubai Duty Free, Dubai’s $35 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport is projected to encompass a minimum of 100,000 square meters of retail space and employ 10,000 individuals upon its opening within the next decade. This surpasses the current 40,000 square meters of retail space and workforce of 5,700 staff at Dubai Duty Free across Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. McLoughlin anticipates annual sales of $3 billion for Dubai Duty Free within the next decade due to continuous growth and passenger spend. The expansion aligns with Dubai’s aspirations for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which spans 70 square kilometers and will feature 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways, and an initial capacity to accommodate 150 million passengers annually, eventually reaching up to 260 million passengers, making it the world’s largest capacity airport upon completion.
Dubai’s plans for the world’s largest airport: 400 gates, five runways and a cost of $35 billion
