Phase one of constructing the cargo terminal at Dubai World Central's (DWC's) Al Maktoum International Airport is on track to open in December.

After this handling systems for cargo will be installed by April 2014. Full completion of this stage is expected in September next year.

Once open, the terminal will be able to handle 700,000 tonnes of cargo, with further expansion providing an additional capacity of 300,000 tonnes in the second phase. This would provide a total of one million tonnes.

Executive chairman for the Dubai Aviation City Corporation Khalifa Al Zaffin said the terminal in addition to specialised districts will "provide a genuinely conducive environment for major regional and global airlines and air cargo companies to accelerate their growth strategies and consolidate their market position".

The airport's infrastructure will include 46 truck docks with parking for 80, as well as 12 aircraft stands in front of the terminal.