Dubai is embarking on an ambitious project to develop a 50-kilometer autonomous people mover network at Al Maktoum International Airport. This expansive underground, driverless rail system will feature nine stations initially, with plans to expand to 14 stations as the airport’s development progresses. The construction of this network is slated for completion by December 2031, in anticipation of the airport’s first phase opening in 2032.
Once finished, this project promises to become the world’s largest automated people mover network, surpassing existing systems in major airports such as Dallas Fort Worth and New York’s JFK. The development is part of Al Maktoum International Airport’s broader plan to accommodate a staggering 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The first phase of the airport’s expansion will include the West Terminal, Concourse 1, and the new people mover system, which will boost the annual passenger capacity to 130 million.
In addition to the internal transportation network, Al Maktoum International Airport will benefit from enhanced rail connectivity. Plans are in place for an Airport Express Link that will connect it to Dubai International Airport, ensuring seamless travel between the two. Future connections to Etihad Rail and the Dubai Metro are also on the horizon, further integrating the airport into the region’s transportation infrastructure.
This development marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s vision to transform Al Maktoum International Airport into a major global aviation hub. With its extensive scale and state-of-the-art technology, the airport is poised to set new standards for passenger and cargo handling capabilities.