Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport: 7 reasons it’s on track to become the world’s largest

Dubai is about to change air travel as we know it with its upcoming $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), which will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport. The brand new airport is set to cover 70 square kilometers, and it will feature the latest technology to promote efficiency, comfort, and interconnectedness.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, the Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, announced that AMIA will include two main terminals, seven concourses, and the capacity to host over 400 aircraft at the same time. The terminal design will be modular, meaning rather than one gigantic building, it would make more sense to think of it as a collection of smaller airports that can be added on to as needed.

Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and a Seamless Travel Experience

One of the most exciting aspects of this super airport is the use of artificial intelligence and robotics. The airport will use AI to control how people move through the facility, minimize queuing, and create an intuitive travel experience. All of the immobile immigration counters, check-in desks, and all of the other lines that contribute to the perception that travel does not work will be no more. Instead, through facial recognition and biometrics, passengers and staff will be able to enter and exit the new airport easily.

An Automated People Mover (APM) will help keep gates locked to restrictive areas for transit passengers. Robotics could also help with all baggage handling, maintenance, and security, to name just a few.

Sustainable and Strategically Connected

The airport is positioned strategically adjacent to Jebel Ali Port and Dubai’s free zones as an international logistics hub. The airport will enable movement from air to sea to land. The airport is sustainable and pursuing LEED Gold certification using clean energy, drought-tolerant landscaping, water-saving technologies, and waste management systems.