Dubai is set to revolutionize air travel at its new $35 billion terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) by leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technology. The goal is to streamline check-in, security, and immigration procedures, ensuring a smoother and faster experience for passengers.
The new terminal, which will eventually handle up to 260 million passengers annually, is still in the detailed design phase. However, Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, sees an opportunity to eliminate outdated processes that have long hindered the aviation industry.
“We’re determined to break free from those processes and Dubai has a particularly fantastic opportunity to design a completely new operating model, which consists of high-flow and minimal disruptions to passengers,” Griffiths explained.
The vision is to allow passengers to pass through immigration, customs, and security almost seamlessly, supported by cutting-edge AI technologies. “They will still be as robust as they are today but enabled by technology and AI processes so that when people arrive by plane at the airport to the Arrivals process or they depart … they literally flow through those processes without having to stop,” Mr. Griffiths added.
Building on the Success of DXB
The new terminal will expand on the technology already used at Dubai International Airport (DXB), such as smart gates and biometric systems, designed to expedite passenger movement. As Dubai prepares for a projected influx of visitors in the coming decade, the Al Maktoum International Airport is expanding its capacity, which currently sits at 32.5 million passengers, primarily serving cargo and low-cost airlines.
Focus on Reducing Dwell Time
A key goal of the new terminal will be reducing “dwell time” — the amount of time planes spend on the ground between flights. “What we want to avoid is creating an airport for 260 million passengers that feels like an airport for 260 million passengers,” said Mr. Griffiths, emphasizing the importance of making the vast facility feel as efficient and easy to navigate as a smaller airport. The plan is to create a series of smaller hubs within the terminal, reducing walking distances and improving overall flow.
Timeline and Economic Impact
The ambitious project is slated to open in 2033. According to Mr. Griffiths, “Time is definitely against us, and we’re working very diligently … to bring this to fruition very quickly.” The detailed design phase is moving quickly to meet the 2033 deadline for opening the terminal.
Once completed, the new terminal is expected to play a significant role in Dubai’s economy. By 2030, Dubai Airports and its aviation partners—including Dubai Police, GDRFA, Dubai Customs, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Dubai Air Navigation Services—are forecast to contribute Dh89 billion ($24.2 billion) or 15 percent of Dubai’s GDP, up from 12 percent last year. The number of jobs supported by these entities is also expected to rise from 396,000 in 2023 to 516,000 in 2030.
