Dubai: In a historic shift, authorities have officially announced that Dubai International Airport (DXB), long revered by expatriate Malayalis and known as the world’s busiest airport, will shut down by 2032. The closure will coincide with the first phase completion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is under construction and set to become the world’s largest airport.
This move marks the end of an iconic chapter in Dubai’s modern history. DXB, which spans 29 square kilometers and has served as a crucial artery for global travel and trade, will be phased out as the city transitions to its next-generation aviation hub.
Urban planners and city officials are now exploring how the current DXB site can be transformed into a futuristic development zone, integrating residential, commercial, hospitality, and public spaces. Experts suggest that the transformation should be data-driven to meet the evolving needs of Dubai's growing population and shifting transportation patterns.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new airport project, many long-time UAE residents have expressed nostalgia and concern. For decades, Dubai International Airport symbolized progress, global connectivity, and economic growth. Several expatriates have urged the government to preserve the legacy and historical significance of DXB in some form.
The Al Maktoum Airport, located in Dubai South, is being constructed at an estimated cost of 128 billion dirhams and is projected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually once fully operational. However, concerns remain about accessibility, as the new airport lies farther from the city's core, unlike DXB’s central location.
As Dubai pivots toward its future with Al Maktoum International, the closure of DXB will undoubtedly be remembered as the end of an era — a turning point in the emirate’s remarkable journey of transformation and innovation.
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