Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport opened in 2010 and features a single passenger terminal alongside extensive cargo facilities as part of the vast Dubai South development. Built to become a long-term aviation and logistics hub, it’s smaller for passengers than Dubai’s main airport but one of the region’s biggest cargo centres, important for freight and future growth. Located roughly 35–40 km southwest of downtown Dubai near Jebel Ali, it’s best reached by car or airport shuttles via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with taxis and limited bus links today and planned metro extensions in the future. The airport tends to host low-cost, charter and freight operators and is generally considered more affordable for budget travelers compared with the city’s primary airport.