The opening of the new Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai, UAE may be delayed beyond June 2010 because of the current downturn in demand.
Dubai Airport currently is handling the reduced demand for the emirate, so the need for the new airport is not as urgent, Dubai Airports ceo Paul Griffiths said.
Griffiths told the Associated Press (AP) that the opening of Al Maktoum International – potentially the world’s largest airport – could see its first flight delayed even further than the June 2010 date slated earlier this year.
“The question we’re now asking is: when is the right time to open the new airport?” said Griffiths.
"Rather than rush the opening ... we would rather take a longer time, get it absolutely right,” he added.
Al Maktoum International – part of the gigantic US$33 billion Dubai World Central project – will be designed to handle around 120 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year.
The airport had hoped to fly cargo services from the third quarter of this year, but the economic crisis has left international air cargo volumes in freefall.
With Dubai International Airport easily coping with the increasing throughputs in terms of freight and passengers, the need for the new airport is not currently as strong as it once was.
Aircargo Asia Pacific
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