emirates7 - Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on course to achieve record-breaking annual passenger numbers, following a strong performance in the first nine months of 2024. By the end of September, DXB had hosted 68.6 million travelers, marking a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The positive momentum from the first half of the year extended into Q3, during which the airport welcomed 23.7 million passengers. DXB also managed over 111,300 flights in Q3, bringing the total flight movements for the nine-month period to 327,700, up 6.4% year-over-year.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, praised the airport’s resilience, growth, and unwavering focus on service excellence. He attributed this success to the dedication and collaboration of the airport’s team, which has consistently driven record passenger numbers and operational efficiency. Griffiths noted that DXB continues to benefit from significant investments in customer service and technology, ensuring a superior travel experience.
He also highlighted a shift in travel patterns, with direct traffic now surpassing the traditionally dominant transfer traffic. This change reflects Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, business, and residency, boosted by its thriving real estate market and appeal to top talent. With Dubai's vibrant winter calendar and world-class attractions, DXB aims to sustain its strong performance through the year’s end.
The airport’s ability to handle increasing volumes efficiently stems from its commitment to advanced technology, such as biometric systems and real-time tracking, which enhance passenger journeys. During the first nine months, DXB processed 60.1 million bags with an industry-leading accuracy of 99.3%, delivering 92% of arriving luggage to terminating passengers within 45 minutes.
India retained its position as the top destination market, with 8.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5.6 million—a 15.2% rise. The UK accounted for 4.6 million travelers (up 4.7%), with Pakistan and the USA contributing 3.4 million and 2.6 million passengers, respectively. Germany rounded out the list with 2 million visitors. London was the most popular city destination with 2.9 million passengers, followed by Riyadh, which recorded a significant 25.8% growth, reaching 2.3 million passengers. Other key cities included Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), New Delhi (1.6 million), and Istanbul (1.3 million).
Looking ahead, DXB expects to handle 23.2 million passengers in Q4, driven by expats traveling for the festive season and visitors seeking Dubai’s renowned winter attractions. Approximately 60% of Q4 traffic is anticipated to be direct, compared to 50% in Q3 and an average of 55% for the year.
Dubai’s appeal as a winter destination is bolstered by major events such as the DP World Tour Championship, Emirates Dubai 7s, festive markets, and its famous New Year’s Eve celebrations. International exhibitions like GITEX Global and ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi further attract visitors. Additionally, the city’s cruise season is in full swing, supported by Dubai’s exceptional air and sea connectivity.
Air travel from Western Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is also set to grow in Q4, with 237,000 and 301,000 additional seats, respectively. The addition of new airlines, including ITA Airways, Condor, Hainan Airlines, and Bhutan’s Druk Air, has further expanded DXB’s network. Meanwhile, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) welcomes new carriers like Transavia and Eurowings.
DXB continues to solidify its status as a global aviation leader, retaining its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, according to Airports Council International (ACI).
The positive momentum from the first half of the year extended into Q3, during which the airport welcomed 23.7 million passengers. DXB also managed over 111,300 flights in Q3, bringing the total flight movements for the nine-month period to 327,700, up 6.4% year-over-year.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, praised the airport’s resilience, growth, and unwavering focus on service excellence. He attributed this success to the dedication and collaboration of the airport’s team, which has consistently driven record passenger numbers and operational efficiency. Griffiths noted that DXB continues to benefit from significant investments in customer service and technology, ensuring a superior travel experience.
He also highlighted a shift in travel patterns, with direct traffic now surpassing the traditionally dominant transfer traffic. This change reflects Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, business, and residency, boosted by its thriving real estate market and appeal to top talent. With Dubai's vibrant winter calendar and world-class attractions, DXB aims to sustain its strong performance through the year’s end.
The airport’s ability to handle increasing volumes efficiently stems from its commitment to advanced technology, such as biometric systems and real-time tracking, which enhance passenger journeys. During the first nine months, DXB processed 60.1 million bags with an industry-leading accuracy of 99.3%, delivering 92% of arriving luggage to terminating passengers within 45 minutes.
India retained its position as the top destination market, with 8.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5.6 million—a 15.2% rise. The UK accounted for 4.6 million travelers (up 4.7%), with Pakistan and the USA contributing 3.4 million and 2.6 million passengers, respectively. Germany rounded out the list with 2 million visitors. London was the most popular city destination with 2.9 million passengers, followed by Riyadh, which recorded a significant 25.8% growth, reaching 2.3 million passengers. Other key cities included Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), New Delhi (1.6 million), and Istanbul (1.3 million).
Looking ahead, DXB expects to handle 23.2 million passengers in Q4, driven by expats traveling for the festive season and visitors seeking Dubai’s renowned winter attractions. Approximately 60% of Q4 traffic is anticipated to be direct, compared to 50% in Q3 and an average of 55% for the year.
Dubai’s appeal as a winter destination is bolstered by major events such as the DP World Tour Championship, Emirates Dubai 7s, festive markets, and its famous New Year’s Eve celebrations. International exhibitions like GITEX Global and ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi further attract visitors. Additionally, the city’s cruise season is in full swing, supported by Dubai’s exceptional air and sea connectivity.
Air travel from Western Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is also set to grow in Q4, with 237,000 and 301,000 additional seats, respectively. The addition of new airlines, including ITA Airways, Condor, Hainan Airlines, and Bhutan’s Druk Air, has further expanded DXB’s network. Meanwhile, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) welcomes new carriers like Transavia and Eurowings.
DXB continues to solidify its status as a global aviation leader, retaining its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, according to Airports Council International (ACI).