Dubai Reviews Transport Plans for Al Maktoum International Airport Expansion
Dubai's RTA and Dubai Airports collaborate on traffic and transport strategies for Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai South growth.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Airports are jointly assessing traffic management and public transport plans to support the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and the surrounding Dubai South area.
Officials from both entities met to discuss enhancing traffic flow on key road corridors serving Dubai International Airport (DXB) and to coordinate infrastructure development aligned with the anticipated growth in Dubai World Central and Dubai South. The meeting included Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two organisations.
The discussions emphasized creating a seamless connection between airports and the broader transport network, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with Dubai's increasing population, visitor numbers, and urban expansion.
Al Tayer underscored the importance of integrating transport and aviation systems to uphold Dubai's status as a global hub for business, tourism, and aviation. He noted that Dubai continues to invest in world-class infrastructure to support its long-term growth ambitions, highlighting the significant role of DWC and Dubai South in RTA's future transport planning due to rapid development in the area.
RTA is collaborating with strategic partners to establish an integrated network of roads and public transport modes aimed at meeting evolving travel demands across the emirate. The meeting reviewed upcoming road and public transport projects intended to improve accessibility to DWC and Dubai South from various parts of Dubai.
Both parties examined how transport infrastructure development can be synchronized with the aviation sector’s future plans, considering the expansion of airport operations and nearby communities. The focus extends beyond airport access to enhancing the overall passenger journey experience.
Griffiths highlighted that cooperation between Dubai Airports and RTA is vital as Dubai enters its next growth phase, stating, "Close collaboration with RTA is essential to shaping a seamless, integrated travel experience for our guests, from the moment they set out for the airport and throughout every stage of their journey." He added that integrating airports with roads and public transport is a key component of Dubai Airports’ future travel strategy.
The meeting also addressed ongoing coordination on upcoming projects to strengthen connections between airports, road networks, and public transport. The goal is to improve traffic flow while addressing the demands of population growth and urban development, benefiting passengers, airport staff, and customers alike.
Griffiths affirmed that the organisations will continue their joint efforts on mobility planning to develop a flexible, future-ready transport ecosystem that enhances accessibility, efficiency, and passenger services. He emphasized the central role of DXB and DWC in reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global gateway for travel and aviation.