Dubai Airports will begin transferring some airlines from Dubai International (DXB) to Dubai World Central (DWC) in the coming years as the world’s busiest international hub approaches its maximum capacity. The move is part of a long-term strategy to manage the city’s rapid growth in passenger traffic.
Speaking at a press conference for the Dubai Airshow 2025, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths confirmed the phased relocation. “As we run out of slots at DXB, which obviously at some stage over the next few years, then we’ll move some of the airlines to DWC,” he said. Griffiths identified flydubai as one of the first carriers expected to make the move.
The transition will be managed carefully to prevent service disruptions. “The integration between Emirates and flydubai is getting closer and closer all the time, so we’ve got to manage that in a very careful way, not to cause any disruption or operational irregularities,” Griffiths explained.
Managing Record Growth
The relocation strategy follows a period of record-breaking activity at DXB, which handled 92.3 million passengers in 2024, its highest annual traffic ever. Griffiths projected that the airport is on track to welcome 100 million passengers within the next 18 months.
By 2031, DXB is expected to reach its peak capacity of approximately 115 million passengers. This growth underpins the government’s decision, announced in April 2024, to transfer all operations to a greatly expanded Al Maktoum International (DWC) over the next decade. The plan includes a new Dh128 billion passenger terminal at DWC, which will eventually raise its annual capacity to 260 million passengers.
“When we make the full transition to DWC in 2032, the number will be 124 million. So we do need that full facility to be open, because we’re going to be stretching the limits of capacity at DXB,” Griffiths stated.
Upgrades and Preparations
To accommodate immediate demand, Dubai Airports is already installing more aircraft stands and improving check-in facilities at DXB. Griffiths also highlighted the role of technology in increasing efficiency. “We’re working very hard on new technology, which will speed people through the airport,” he said. “If we can reduce the time that people are going through all of the processes, then we can increase both speed and convenience.”
Preparations for the new DWC facilities are already underway, with operational studies in progress. Griffiths assured that extensive testing would be completed before the new infrastructure opens to the public. “We have always been very, very strict indeed on making absolutely sure that the infrastructure is fit for purpose before we open it to our guests,” he said.
