First operational flight lands at Al Maktoum to prove the systems

An Emirates' SkyCargo freighter flew in to test the airport’s navigational approaches with ATC as well as testing airport manoeuvring, ground-handling and security as well as communications between various agencies.

The airport will be formally opened next Sunday, 27 June.

The Boeing 777 freighter, operating flight EK9883 from Hong Kong, landed at Al-Maktoum at 16:50 yesterday.

"The test was an unmitigated success not only for Emirates SkyCargo, but most importantly for our customer Swift Freight," said Ram Menen, president of Skycargo division.

"Although our cargo hub continues to be Dubai International, there is no doubt that Maktoum will play an increasingly important role - initially for spot cargo operations driven by customer need and eventually for scheduled freighter services,"

DCA will be conducting the final approvals on Thursday before licensing the field for operations. Initially there will be one operational runway and cargo usage only. A special road which remains under customs bond has been built between the freight terminal and Jebel Ali free zone.

In March next year the airport will begin passenger services. Ultimately it is intended to become the largest airport in the world, with five runways and four terminals capable of handling 160 million annual passengers.