# Al Maktoum International Airport expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/al-maktoum-international-airport-expansion
> Updated: 2026-09-29T20:28:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is undergoing a massive expansion to accommodate growing aviation needs as Dubai International Airport (DXB) approaches its operating limit. Initial phases of the expansion include the addition of a second runway expected to be operational by 2027, with the goal of providing capacity for 150 million passengers by the early 2030s. Airlines such as flydubai are expected to begin a staged relocation to DWC to ensure operational stability.

On September 29, 2026, construction officially commenced on a mega-airport project designed to become the largest in the world. This $35 billion infrastructure development is projected for completion by 2057 and aims to provide an annual capacity exceeding 260 million passengers. The long-term master plan for the site includes the eventual construction of five runways and multiple passenger processing nodes to facilitate scalable growth through the second half of the century.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Dubai begins construction on world's largest airport

Dubai has begun construction on a new mega-airport expected to be the world's largest by 2057, with a projected annual capacity of over 260 million passengers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubai-begins-construction-on-worlds-largest-airport

### 2026-09-10: Al Maktoum International Airport expansion to include second runway by 2027

Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is expanding, with a second runway due by 2027 and flydubai expected to begin relocating operations from DXB as early as next year.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-maktoum-international-airport-expansion-to-include-second-runway-by-2027

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Cite as: Al Maktoum International Airport expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/al-maktoum-international-airport-expansion