Dubai International Airport (DXB) is expected to handle around 70 million passengers in 2026 as airline capacity and connectivity continue to increase, according to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. At the same time, development of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is moving ahead, with its first major expansion phase expected to provide capacity for 150 million passengers annually in the early 2030s.
Original article: DXB to welcome 70 million passengers in 2026 as DWC plans move “full speed ahead,” says Dubai Airports CEO by Economy Middle East.
Key Insights:
DXB passenger traffic continues to recover
DXB welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, with monthly traffic reaching 5 million in June before increasing to 6.3 million in July.
Airline capacity has reached 84% of previous levels, while passenger volumes stand at 78%, according to Griffiths. Several carriers have yet to resume services, with most expected to return by the start of the upcoming winter season.
Dubai Airports also expects DXB to reach 100 million annual passengers by the end of 2027 as capacity and demand continue to grow. The airport maintains a broadly even balance between transfer and point-to-point passengers, reflecting Dubai’s position as both an international aviation hub and a major destination.
DWC Expansion Targets Capacity of 150 Million Passengers
Development of Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing, with the first major phase expected to come online in the early 2030s. This phase is designed to accommodate 150 million passengers annually, allowing Dubai to expand beyond DXB’s estimated maximum capacity of around 115 million passengers.
DWC is ultimately planned to handle up to 260 million passengers a year, while its second runway is expected to open by the end of 2027.
The airport will be developed progressively as passenger demand increases, eventually operating across five runways at full development.
Transition From DXB to DWC Will Be Phased
The transfer of operations from DXB to DWC is expected to take place gradually as new capacity becomes available. DXB operations are ultimately expected to move to DWC once the airport’s initial 150-million-passenger capacity phase is operational.
Dubai Airports is also considering how DWC can integrate with the city’s wider transport network, alongside new technology designed to streamline the passenger journey.
The expansion forms part of Dubai’s longer-term aviation and infrastructure strategy as the emirate prepares for continued growth in international passenger volumes.
What DWC's Expansion Could Mean for Dubai
DWC’s planned expansion represents a significant long-term infrastructure development for Dubai, with the first major phase alone designed to accommodate more passengers annually than DXB’s estimated maximum capacity.
The development is particularly relevant to Dubai South and surrounding areas, where the airport forms part of a wider infrastructure and development pipeline. However, the impact on individual communities and property projects will depend on factors including transport connectivity, infrastructure delivery, employment growth, new supply and the timing of the airport transition.
With the first 150-million-passenger phase expected in the early 2030s, DWC’s expansion is best viewed as a long-term shift in Dubai’s infrastructure and connectivity rather than an immediate change to the property market.
