Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC, ICAO: OMDW), also known as Dubai World Central, is a major airport located in Jebel Ali, about 37 km southwest of Dubai. Originally opened for cargo in June 2010 and for passengers in October 2013, it forms the heart of the massive Dubai South development.
In 2024, DWC handled over 1.1 million guests, with nearly 50,000 aircraft movements.
A huge Phase II expansion was approved in April 2024: a $35 billion plan will build a new mega terminal and expand capacity to 150 million passengers by 2032, eventually reaching 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The project will feature five parallel runways, four operational terminals, more than 400 contact gates, and an automated underground train system connecting eight concourses. Construction on the second runway has already begun under a $272 million contract awarded in early 2025.
In 2025, officials say DWC is being positioned to gradually absorb the bulk of Dubai’s commercial air traffic: Dubai Airports’ CEO has confirmed that the capacity boost is designed to eventually transfer significant operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to DWC.
Currently, the airport supports seasonal and charter passenger traffic, cargo services, and general aviation.
Its single main runway remains highly capable, accommodating a wide range of aircraft from small jets to long‑range wide‑bodies.
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