Dubai Airports May Postpone Staff Retirements Amid Landmark Al Maktoum Airport Shift

Dubai Airports May Ask Staff to Postpone Retirement During Historic Shift to Al Maktoum International

In an unprecedented move for the aviation industry, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths has revealed that the organization may request a significant number of employees to delay their retirement to manage the colossal transition from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to the new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This strategic decision underscores the massive scale of the operational shift set to redefine global air travel.

The core challenge driving this request is the need to operate both DXB and Al Maktoum International at full capacity simultaneously during critical testing and ramp-up phases. This dual-airport operation will create a temporary but substantial surge in staffing requirements.

The Critical Need for a "Knowledge-Based Workforce"

The transition is far more complex than a simple closure and reopening. As Griffiths explained, Dubai Airports will need "more than just the staff needed for a single functioning airport." To ensure seamless operations, unwavering safety standards, and the high level of service Dubai is known for, the company will depend heavily on its most experienced personnel.

Employees who are nearing retirement and possess invaluable institutional knowledge may be asked to extend their careers. This is seen as essential for preserving operational continuity, mentoring new staff, and providing leadership during one of the most logistically challenging periods in the company's history.

The Unprecedented Scale of the DXB to DWC Move

The Dubai government's official announcement in April 2024 set in motion an ambitious decade-long plan to relocate all aviation operations to Al Maktoum International. The scale of the new facility is staggering: a Dh128 billion passenger terminal designed to ultimately handle up to 260 million passengers annually, far exceeding DXB's current capacity.

The urgency for this expansion is clear. DXB continues to break traffic records, having processed 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025—its busiest first half ever. Projections indicate this growth will continue, with DXB expected to handle 100 million monthly passengers within 18 months and reach approximately 115 million by 2031. The full operational handover to Al Maktoum is targeted for around 2032.

Operational Challenges and the "Experience Premium"

Managing two mega-airports in parallel presents immense logistical hurdles. It requires flawless coordination across all functions—from airline partnerships and ground handling to security, maintenance, and passenger services—across two active sites.

In this high-stakes environment, experienced staff provide an "experience premium." Their deep understanding of existing systems allows them to anticipate issues during the migration, troubleshoot effectively during testing, and guide newer team members. Asking them to postpone retirement is a strategic, albeit difficult, trade-off to mitigate risk and ensure a smooth transition without compromising on safety or efficiency.

The Future of Dubai's Aviation Vision

The shift to Al Maktoum International is not merely a relocation; it is the cornerstone of Dubai's long-term aviation strategy. The new airport is designed to not only replace DXB but to dramatically expand the emirate's capacity and technological capabilities, positioning Dubai for decades of future growth.

While the full move is slated for completion around 2032, the preparatory phase involves years of construction, extensive staff training, and rigorous systems testing. Throughout this period, maintaining operational continuity with a seasoned, knowledgeable workforce is paramount. The potential delay of retirements, while a significant request, highlights the critical role of human expertise in executing one of the world's most ambitious aviation projects.