Emirates has confirmed that all operations will eventually move completely to Al Maktoum International Airport once the project is complete.

Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market this week, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed stated that the airline will move all operations once the airport finishes construction.

Set to become the world’s busiest airport, all operations currently at Dubai International Airport will eventually move to the new site in Jebel Ali.

This is in contrast to flydubai, which has stated its move to Al Maktoum International from DXB will be a phased transition.

Once the new site is completed, Al Maktoum International Airport will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport.

There will be more than 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways with the highest operational specifications, and a total of five passenger terminal buildings. The airport will span 70 square kilometres once fully complete.

However, the full move to the new airport could take decades. Speaking at the Dubai Airshow last year, the CEO of Dubai Airports Paul Griffiths revealed that the full project wouldn’t be completed until “way into the 2050s”.

The Arabian Travel Market has also seen Emirates announce the first destinations for its A350 fleet.

Nine cities were announced from Colombo to Bologna, as well as the restarting of a route between Edinburgh and Dubai.

Giving an insight into the aircraft, it was confirmed that each plane will have ‘next generation’ business class seats, as well as a premium economy cabin.