Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths recently confirmed that flydubai is slated to become the first carrier to migrate a portion of its flight operations to Al Maktoum International (DWC). Starting as early as 2027, the airline plans to relocate an initial fleet of five to six aircraft from Dubai International (DXB). Unlike the abrupt airport transition seen in Hong Kong decades ago, Griffiths emphasized that Dubai’s strategy involves a methodical, staged relocation process spanning several months. This approach is designed to ensure a seamless experience for passengers and airlines alike as the city scales its massive aviation infrastructure.

The long-term vision behind this move is to address the looming capacity constraints at DXB, providing both Emirates and flydubai the necessary breathing room for future growth. As DXB reaches its operational limits, the gradual shift will free up slots for expansion before a wider migration takes place. Looking ahead, DWC is set to become a global powerhouse with five total runways—four for active service and one kept in reserve. With a second runway expected to go live next year, the airport is steadily building toward its final goal of handling 150 million passengers annually, at which point all remaining DXB operations are scheduled to transition to the new mega-hub.