Dubai: In a landmark announcement that signals the end of an iconic era, Dubai International Airport (DXB) — one of the world’s busiest and most recognized aviation hubs — is set to shut down by 2032. This bold move comes as the emirate prepares to shift all operations to the futuristic Al Maktoum International Airport, whose first phase will be completed by then.
Spanning over 29 square kilometers, DXB has played a pivotal role in Dubai’s meteoric rise as a global city. With its closure, the city is eyeing a dramatic reinvention of the site into a vibrant, low-carbon urban district that blends residential, commercial, hospitality, and public spaces.
Experts are calling for a data-driven approach to redevelopment — one that reflects Dubai’s changing demographics, mobility trends, and environmental priorities. The vision: a future-ready district that champions sustainability, social equity, and enhanced quality of life.
At the Arabian Travel Market last week, DXB CEO Paul Griffiths emphasized the need to honor the airport’s historic legacy while embracing innovative urban planning. He also urged the preservation of DXB’s unique architectural features as part of the transformation.
As DXB prepares for its final takeoff, the move marks not just the closure of a landmark — but the dawn of a new chapter in Dubai’s ambitious urban evolution.
