Research & Reports

Infrastructure · Timeline13 October 2026

Al Maktoum International: 25 years to Phase 1

From the first runway in 2007 to a 150M-passenger Phase 1 in 2032: cargo and passenger launches, a $32bn plan, launches paused from 2018, the AED 128bn relaunch, and the rail links scheduled around it.

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Phase 1 opens in 2032, 25 years after the first runway. Timeline: 2007: Runway 1 complete; Jun 2010: Cargo flights; Oct 2013: Passenger flights; Sep 2014: $32bn plan; Oct 2018: On hold (launches paused); Apr 2024: AED 128bn plan; 30 Sep 2026: Etihad Rail in Dubai; Late 2027: Runway 2 opens; 2030–31: High-speed rail; 2032: Phase 1 opens · 150M passengers.

Timeline

Phase 1 opens in 2032, 25 years after the first runway

  1. 2007Runway 1 completeDone
  2. Jun 2010Cargo flightsDone
  3. Oct 2013Passenger flightsDone
  4. Sep 2014$32bn planDone
  5. Oct 2018On hold (launches paused)Done
  6. Apr 2024AED 128bn planDone
  7. 30 Sep 2026Etihad Rail in DubaiDone
  8. Late 2027Runway 2 opensScheduled
  9. 2030–31High-speed railScheduled
  10. 2032Phase 1 opens · 150M passengersScheduled

Sources: Dubai Airports; Gulf News; Airport Technology; Etihad Rail; IRJ (2010–2026).