Flydubai to relocate aircraft from DXB to DWC from early 2027

Flydubai to begin DWC relocation from early 2027#

Flydubai will relocate five to six aircraft from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport starting in early 2027, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said during a media briefing on Thursday. The carrier will be the first airline to shift part of its operations to the airport. The relocation forms the initial stage of a transition that will unfold over multiple years. Al Maktoum International's second runway is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, Griffiths said. Construction activity is on schedule, with the first phase of the airport expected to deliver capacity for 150 million passengers in the early 2030s.

Transition to unfold gradually over several months#

The transfer of operations from Dubai International to Al Maktoum International will take place gradually over several months, Griffiths said. Emirates and flydubai will use capacity at the new airport as Dubai International approaches its operating limit. Other airlines will transfer later. The full relocation of Dubai International operations is planned once the first 150 million-passenger phase at Al Maktoum International is available. Griffiths referenced Hong Kong's airport transfer in the late 1990s, when an airport handling approximately 20 million passengers moved operations to a new site in 24 hours. Dubai's transfer will take longer due to the larger passenger volumes involved, he said.

Two runways planned for initial 150 million-passenger phase#

Two runways will be required for the first 150 million-passenger phase at Al Maktoum International, Griffiths said. The third and fourth runways will be constructed as terminal capacity expands. The fifth runway will operate as a standby when one of the others is out of service. The completed airport is planned to have five runways and capacity for up to 260 million passengers annually. The initial development includes up to eight passenger processing nodes, each delivering capacity for approximately 31 million to 32 million passengers. Those nodes can be constructed ahead of demand, Griffiths said.

Earthworks and piling activity underway at site#

Earthworks and piling activity are taking place across the Al Maktoum International site, Griffiths said. The plan includes further sections constructed as demand increases. Dubai World Central will deliver the additional capacity required once Dubai International reaches its operating limit. Slots at Dubai International will be freed up for further expansion before other airlines begin their transfer. Once the airport reaches its 150 million-passenger capacity, all of Dubai International's operations are planned to relocate to Al Maktoum International, Griffiths said.