Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW)
Large airport · Dubai(Jebel Ali), Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Airport data
| Name | Al Maktoum International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | OMDW |
| IATA | DWC |
| Elevation | 114 ft (35 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 24°53'46" E 55°9'44" 24.89617, 55.16235 |
| Location | Dubai(Jebel Ali), Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/30 | 14,764 ft (4500 m) | 197 ft | ASPH | Yes |
| 13/31 | 6,030 ft (1838 m) | 98 ft | asphalt | No |
Al Maktoum International Airport at a glance
Al Maktoum International Airport is a large airport in Dubai(Jebel Ali), Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates, known to airline systems as DWC. The field elevation of 114 ft (35 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at OMDW are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
Of its 2 runways, the longest — 12/30 — offers 14,764 ft (4500 m) of asph surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 12 points roughly 120° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for OMDW shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Al Maktoum International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Al Minhad Air Base | OMDM | 25 km (14 NM) |
| Dubai International Airport | OMDB | 45 km (24 NM) |
| Sharjah International Airport | OMSJ | 60 km (32 NM) |
| Zayed International Airport | OMAA | 72 km (39 NM) |
| Sas Al Nakheel Air Base | OMNK | 83 km (45 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Al Maktoum International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 114 ft field elevation of Al Maktoum International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 12 airports and airfields we list for United Arab Emirates — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Al Maktoum International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Al Maktoum International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Al Maktoum International Airport is OMDW, and its IATA code is DWC. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Al Maktoum International Airport above sea level?
Al Maktoum International Airport sits at an elevation of 114 feet (35 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Al Maktoum International Airport located?
The airport lies at 24.8962, 55.1624 — in Dubai(Jebel Ali), Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Al Minhad Air Base, about 25 km away.
Does OMDW publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for OMDW appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Al Maktoum International Airport?
Al Maktoum International Airport has 2 runways. The longest, 12/30, measures 14,764 ft (4500 m) with a ASPH surface.