AMIA: The Ultimate Airport

Terminals - In its final configuration, two large terminals, both at the west and the east side of the platform, will complete the system, in addition to the existing Passenger Terminal Building. Ultimately capable to handle up to 45 million passengers, the new terminals will boast segregated access from the main road, for private vehicle, taxi, busses and service vehicles, eliminating any congestion. The metro and express station will also bring the passengers directly inside the building. Prior to this, travellers can check their luggage at their hotel, at a city desk, or simply from home.

The option of curbside check-in with baggage drop in automated carts also allows passengers to be handsfree, even before entering the terminal. Quick border crossing facilities and non-intrusive security checks with advanced biometric systems will ensure a seamless walk through up to the APM.

Concourses - Each of the four concourses at AMIA will be a megastructure, with a built-up area of 2.3 million sq.m. Stretched across 2.7-kilometres, each concourse will equal the length of the three concourses at Dubai International (DXB). In the central piazza of the concourse, where the APM drops off passengers, large spaces will be dedicated to shops, restaurants, as well as spaces for entertainment and relaxation. The airlines first and business class lounges will be set at the upper level.

The 100 boarding gates of each concourse will be lined along the piers, with the spine linking the three nodes, enabling smooth access to the aircraft through multiple boarding bridges. In addition to the 400 contact stands, active stands will be located on the apron, and in two areas around the West Terminal, for remote operations and redundancy purpose.

Baggage will be processed through an underground network of galleries and batch centers, able to handle up to 30,000 bags per hour, leading each and every bag to their aircraft in a record time, through a stringent security and sorting process, using automated guided vehicles and the most advance screening techniques. Bags will then be delivered directly to the aircraft stands through pop up hatches, preventing interference with ground handling activities on the airfield.

Runways - Five parallel runways for code F aircraft are planned, four of them spaced by more than 1,500 metres, allowing for up to four simultaneous parallel aircraft approaches. The 4.5 kilometre runways will be equipped with the most advanced aircraft guiding system. Rapid exits, double taxiways and large ground service equipment roads will be implemented for safety and operational efficiency. A second Control Tower will be set at the center of the airfield.

LEED standards - Starting from sourcing construction materials to building all infrastructure, AMIA operations will be completely sustainable. Targeting the LEED Gold for sustainability, the new airport’s terminals and concourses will rely completely on clean energy sources like photovoltaic solar panels. High-performance insulated buildings will be enveloped by solar glazing to control energy inputs. In coordination with the Dubai Municipality, the recycling strategy will enable zero waste to landfill. Water reduction will be about 70% with the help of efficient appliances, grey water treatment plants, condensation and rainwater collection.

Intelligent systems - With traffic management systems along the curbside to the APM inside, flow in and out of the airport will be managed by smart systems. State-of-the-art technology will be at the heart of operations on the platform, eliminating congestion and facilitating unhindered airport operations.

Passenger-centric facilities - AMIA facilities will be centred around delivering an unparalleled passenger experience unlike any other. With automated bots to drop baggage on the curb side, trackable systems for predictable baggage collection and thoughtful configurations for intuitive wayfinding, AMIA will inspire awe, provide comfort and redefine what it means to travel for all passengers.