Dubai is set to transform Al Maktoum International Airport into a premier global aviation hub with the installation of the world’s largest automated passenger mover (APM) system. This massive infrastructure project is designed to streamline transit between terminals and key facilities, significantly enhancing the airport’s operational efficiency as it scales toward a projected annual capacity of 260 million passengers.
Japanese engineering firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has been awarded the contract to deliver the system during the airport’s initial development phase. MHI, working alongside its Dubai-based subsidiary MHI-MESC, will oversee the design, supply, testing, and integration of 165 automated vehicles and the supporting signalling infrastructure. The project is being executed by a consortium that also includes the Indian construction and engineering group Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which is responsible for the construction and testing of additional subsystems.
Spanning approximately 50 kilometres, the network will feature nine distinct stations, creating a seamless connection across the airport grounds. By facilitating faster transfers and improved accessibility, the APM is expected to be a cornerstone of the airport’s long-term functionality. The entire system is scheduled for completion in December 2031, positioning the facility for full-scale operations by 2032.
This ambitious transport network serves as a critical component of Dubai’s broader strategy to establish Al Maktoum International as the world’s leading aviation centre. As development progresses, the airport’s capacity is slated to increase in stages, supported by this large-scale automated mobility solution intended to manage the movement of millions of travelers annually. The report also notes that allowing passengers and airport users to move more efficiently between terminal buildings and other major facilities, it will connect nine stations within the airport.
Source: Gulf Today
