Dubai International Airport (DXB) has revised its passenger traffic forecast for 2024 to 91 million, surpassing its previous record of 89.1 million set in 2018. This adjustment reflects the strong growth trajectory in the aviation sector and the expansion of routes by Emirates and flydubai.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted the impressive first-quarter performance, attributing the growth to the increasing number of cities added to DXB’s network. The airport recorded 23 million passengers in the first quarter, an 8.4% increase from the same period last year. January alone saw 7.9 million guests, indicating a robust start to the year.
Griffiths emphasized Dubai’s emergence as a global leader in attracting talent, businesses, and tourists, underscoring the importance of sustaining growth and enhancing the airport experience. With a strong start to the second quarter and a positive outlook for the year, DXB’s revised forecast aims to surpass its previous annual traffic record.
The airport’s significant contribution to Dubai’s economy is evident, with the city registering a 3.3% increase in real GDP, valued at approximately Dh307.9 billion. DXB’s efficient handling of increasing passenger traffic and high cargo volumes supports Dubai’s diversified economy and strengthens its position as a global business and logistics hub.
India remains DXB’s top destination country, with 3.1 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (2 million), the UK (1.5 million), and Pakistan (1.1 million). The US, Russia, and Germany also contribute significantly to passenger traffic. London leads as the top city destination with 961,000 passengers, followed by Riyadh and Jeddah.
The first quarter saw 109,238 flight movements, an 8.3% year-on-year increase. With load factors reaching 79.1%, the passenger per aircraft movement was 217. DXB efficiently managed 26.8 million bags through its extensive baggage system, showcasing its operational excellence.
Dubai International Airport’s achievement of surpassing previous traffic records and its continued growth trajectory underscore its critical role in driving Dubai’s economic and tourism sectors, reinforcing its status as a premier global aviation hub.
