The 70km² airport is aiming for LEED GOLD certification.
At the Airport Show 2025 in Dubai, DACC’s executive chair, Khalifa Al Zaffin, provided insights into the project’s status: “We have awarded contracts for enabling works and the construction of a second runway, marking significant milestones.” He noted that tenders for the automated people mover system and baggage handling system are now underway, with contracts expected to be finalized later this year. Upcoming tenders will cover critical infrastructure, including foundations, concrete works, central cooling stations, and 132kV substations.
Supervised by the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects body, responsible for infrastructure and construction, the project remains on track. The current phase involves building a passenger terminal and four concourses, boosting the airport’s capacity to 150 million passengers annually. Long-term plans aim to accommodate 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo yearly. The development is set to enhance the local economy by generating numerous job opportunities.
Spanning 70km², the airport will include over 400 aircraft gates, an automated transport system, and advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and biometric identification. Al Zaffin emphasized sustainability efforts: “We are targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification to ensure environmental responsibility.”
Addressing the transition from Dubai International Airport, Al Zaffin stated: “The move will be seamless and coordinated to avoid disruptions.” An executive transition program is being developed with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth process. Meanwhile, the city’s Roads and Transport Authority is implementing short- and medium-term measures to reduce traffic congestion around Dubai International Airport.
