Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDubai plans to open Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world's largest aviation hub, by 2032. The new airport is designed to handle an annual capacity of 260 million passengers and will feature five runways, two terminals, and over 430 plane stands. Work on the first phase, including runway infrastructure and initial structural foundations, began over a year ago and is proceeding on schedule. The project has been allocated a budget of AED16 billion (over £3 billion), with future phases focusing on additional terminals and advanced systems. Officials state the airport will redefine travel and logistics, serving anticipated growth in passenger and cargo traffic, despite recent dips at Dubai's current main airport, DXB. In fullFirst look at the world’s largest airport opening in DubaiThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The aviation hub will have five runways and enough stands for 430 planes

It is set to become the world's largest airport after a £23.5billion expansion and refurbishment project is completed