Major Air Cargo Hub Expansion Project Announced

Aviation authorities have unveiled ambitious plans to expand major cargo facilities in a significant expansion project, positioning the region as a leading global air cargo hub and cementing its role as the essential connection point between East and West.

Strategic Vision and Scale

The expansion project, scheduled for completion by 2028, will add substantial cargo handling capacity and bring total annual throughput capacity to unprecedented levels. This positions the region among the world's largest air cargo hubs for international commerce, capable of handling over 4 million tonnes of cargo annually.

The investment exceeds AED 15 billion, representing one of the largest infrastructure projects in the aviation sector globally. The scale of development reflects confidence in the continued growth of air cargo demand and the region's strategic advantages in global trade networks.

The expansion encompasses 650,000 square meters of new cargo handling facilities, including dedicated terminals for different cargo types, automated handling systems, and integrated road and rail connections. The design incorporates flexibility to accommodate future expansion phases as demand continues to grow.

Specialized Cargo Facilities

Key features of the expansion include dedicated facilities for pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics with temperature-controlled handling throughout the supply chain. A specialized e-commerce hub will feature advanced sorting systems capable of processing millions of parcels daily, meeting explosive growth in cross-border e-commerce.

The pharmaceutical cargo center will meet World Health Organization Good Distribution Practice requirements, with EU GDP certification enabling direct handling of European pharmaceutical products. Temperature mapping, continuous monitoring, and rapid transfer protocols ensure that cold chain integrity is maintained throughout the handling process.

Dangerous goods facilities expand capacity for lithium batteries, chemicals, and radioactive materials used in medical and industrial applications. Specialized training programs and enhanced safety systems ensure compliant handling of these sensitive cargo types.

The perishables center includes blast chilling and freezing capabilities, enabling handling of fresh produce, seafood, and frozen products without quality degradation. Dedicated cold rooms accommodate different temperature requirements, from tropical produce to ultra-frozen pharmaceutical products.

Operator Commitments and Ecosystem Development

Major cargo operators have already committed to expanding operations at the facilities. The move will create a dedicated cargo ecosystem while optimizing operations across the region's aviation infrastructure. Anchor tenants include three of the world's top five express integrators and leading freight forwarders.

Ground handling companies are investing in new equipment fleets, including electric tow tractors and handling vehicles that will reduce emissions and noise in the cargo apron area. Automated guided vehicles will handle container movements between aircraft and terminal facilities.

Airlines are committing to increased freighter frequencies, with new dedicated services to emerging markets in Africa and Central Asia. These connections open new trade opportunities while leveraging the hub's strategic geographic position.

Economic Development Alignment

The expansion aligns with the region's broader economic development agenda, which targets significant foreign trade growth over the next decade. Air cargo is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these targets, particularly for high-value goods and time-sensitive shipments that require rapid international movement.

E-commerce is projected to drive the majority of volume growth, with cross-border shipments expected to triple over the next five years. The facilities are designed specifically to handle the small-parcel, high-volume characteristics of e-commerce cargo efficiently.

High-value manufacturing sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and precision equipment will benefit from improved air cargo capacity. These industries depend on reliable air logistics for component supply chains and finished product distribution.

Construction Progress and Timeline

Construction has already begun on the first phase, which includes new cargo terminal facilities and expanded support infrastructure to accommodate the latest generation of freighter aircraft operating today. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the logistics ecosystem.

Phase one completion is scheduled for 2025, adding 40% to current capacity. Subsequent phases will deliver additional capacity every 18-24 months until full build-out in 2028. Modular construction approaches enable operational facilities to function while adjacent areas remain under development.

The project employs over 8,000 construction workers during peak periods, with a focus on local employment and skills development. Training programs prepare workers for permanent positions in the completed facilities.

Technology and Digital Infrastructure

The expansion includes investment in ground handling equipment, conveyor systems, and digital infrastructure. Real-time tracking systems and automated sorting will ensure that cargo movements are optimized for speed and accuracy.

A cargo community system integrates all stakeholders—airlines, handlers, forwarders, and customs—on a single platform. Pre-arrival processing enables clearance before aircraft landing, dramatically reducing dwell time for cargo.

Artificial intelligence optimizes resource allocation, predicting cargo volumes and scheduling equipment and personnel accordingly. Machine learning improves forecast accuracy over time, reducing both bottlenecks and underutilization.

Global Connectivity Enhancement

Partnerships with international airlines and logistics providers are expanding operational scope. New scheduled services will connect the hub to major global markets, reducing transit times for time-sensitive shipments and enabling better service delivery to international markets.

Freighter networks are expanding to include new destinations in secondary cities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These connections open markets previously underserved by direct air cargo services, creating new trade opportunities.

Interline partnerships enable seamless connections between carriers, with cargo transferred efficiently between flights. These arrangements extend the effective reach of the hub to destinations not served directly.