Image reproduced from 非凡新聞

The largest airport in the world, King Fahd International Airport, is situated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and boasts an astonishing area of 780 square kilometers, which is even greater than the total land area of Singapore. Since its establishment in 1999, this airport has rapidly become a vital hub for international traffic due to its huge scale and modern management, accommodating more than 10 million international passengers each year and connecting to 43 destinations.

According to official data from Saudi Arabia, King Fahd International Airport has been managed by the Dammam Airport Company since 2017, under strict oversight from the Civil Aviation Authority, and currently, 37 airlines operate from this airport, highlighting its significant role in the global aviation market.

However, this status may soon face challenges. The Dubai government plans to build a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), with an estimated cost of $35 billion. This new project will include 400 boarding gates and five parallel runways. It is anticipated that, upon completion in 2034, this airport will accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, potentially becoming the world's largest airport and significantly expanding Dubai's air transport capacity.

Currently, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the world, servicing around 89 million travelers each year. Once Al Maktoum Airport is completed, it is expected to absorb all passenger traffic from Dubai International Airport. Such developments are bound to have profound impacts on the aviation industry and will lead to structural changes in the global aviation market in the coming years.

Regardless, the construction of King Fahd International Airport and its scale will continue to attract travelers from all over the world. As the construction plans for Dubai's airport progress, the competition between the two will become a significant highlight in the international aviation arena.