DUBAI: The futuristic Al Maktoum International Airport — also known as Dubai World Central (DWC) — is expected to become one of the largest and most advanced airport terminals in the world. As part of its grand vision, a dedicated underground train system is being considered to ease passenger movement across the vast complex.

Dubai has started awarding contracts for Al Maktoum International – which will be the world’s largest airport upon completion. All operations at Dubai International (DXB) will be transferred to Al Maktoum International (DWC) which will “fully absorb” DXB’s operations in 10 years. 

Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths revealed that the internal transit times at the new terminal could rival inter-city rail journeys. “if you look at it as such a large site, that actually the same sort of distance by rail will be similar to going from, say, King’s Cross to Paddington in London, which is sort of 20-minute journey time,” he noted.

To ensure maximum comfort over these distances, trains will likely feature passenger seating and be designed for quick, efficient transfers — a crucial feature given the airport’s sprawling layout and the anticipated volume of transit passengers.

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