Dubai International Airport (DXB) has commenced the year with an exceptional first quarter, recording its busiest quarter ever and reinforcing its position as a major global aviation center. The airport witnessed a remarkable 8.4% surge in passenger traffic compared to the same period last year, with a total of 23,052,060 travelers passing through its terminals. This impressive growth highlights DXB’s strong pull in major markets and underscores its significance in bolstering Dubai’s reputation as a key international hub for tourism and commerce.
January proved to be the peak month for traffic, with 7.9 million passengers utilizing the airport’s services. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed enthusiasm over the airport’s continued growth trajectory, attributing it to the expansion of Emirates and flydubai’s networks. He emphasized the airport’s focus on maintaining this growth momentum and enhancing the overall passenger experience. With a strong start to the second quarter and an optimistic outlook for the rest of the year, DXB has revised its annual passenger forecast to 91 million, surpassing its previous record of 89.1 million achieved in 2018.
DXB plays a pivotal role in driving Dubai’s economic growth and tourism, contributing to a 3.3% increase in the city’s real GDP, which now stands at approximately AED 307.9 billion. The airport’s efficient management of growing passenger numbers and significant cargo volumes further strengthens Dubai’s diversified economy. As Dubai’s primary gateway, DXB enhances the city’s development and global reputation. By offering flights to 256 destinations across 102 countries via 90 international airlines, DXB solidifies Dubai’s status as a leading global hub for business and logistics.
DXB is well-positioned to meet the growing travel demands from the UAE’s principal international markets. India remains the top destination from DXB, with 3.1 million travelers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 2 million, the UK with 1.5 million, and Pakistan with 1.1 million. The US, Russia, and Germany also contribute significantly to passenger volumes, with London, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mumbai ranking among the most popular cities for passenger traffic.
In terms of operational metrics, DXB reported a total of 109,238 flight movements in the first quarter, marking an 8.3% year-over-year increase. The load factor stood at 79.1%, with an average of 217 passengers per aircraft movement. The airport’s advanced baggage system handled 26.8 million bags during this period, demonstrating DXB’s operational efficiency and commitment to providing seamless travel experiences.
