emirates7 - Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 23.4 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025, continuing its strong performance and reaffirming its status as the world’s busiest international airport.
This growth reflects Dubai’s rising global appeal and DXB’s vital role as the primary hub for international travel. Despite coming off a record-setting Q1 in 2024, passenger traffic still grew by 1.5% year-on-year. January alone set a new record as the airport’s busiest month ever, with 8.5 million guests passing through — an achievement credited not just to infrastructure, but to the coordinated efforts of thousands of dedicated staff.
India remained the airport’s top market, contributing 3 million travelers, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). Among cities, London topped the list with 935,000 passengers, followed by Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Leisure travel surged due to seasonal trends, Eid holidays, and school breaks, with standout growth in traffic to the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%).
On the cargo side, volumes dipped slightly by 3.6% year-on-year, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes in Q1.
Behind the numbers is the human factor driving DXB’s success. The dedication and professionalism of the "oneDXB" team—including Dubai Airports staff, government agencies, airlines, and commercial partners—ensure smooth operations and memorable guest experiences.
One notable example involved the airport’s Lost and Found team, who, working with Dubai Police, swiftly recovered a lost bag containing AED 102,000 in cash and important documents—returning it to two distressed brothers within just 30 minutes. Another moment of compassion came from immigration officer Abdullah Al Baloushi, who paused a guest in a wheelchair so her son could say a proper goodbye. The act was publicly praised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who lauded it as a model of Dubai’s hospitality.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths noted that Q1’s performance has laid a solid foundation for the year, not just in passenger volume, but in service quality. Successfully managing DXB’s busiest month while maintaining high standards in baggage handling, guest flow, and accessibility is a testament to the team's precision and collaborative spirit.
DXB recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1, a 1.9% increase from the previous year, averaging 215 passengers per flight. Baggage systems processed over 21 million bags, with mishandled luggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 per 1,000 passengers, achieving a 99.8% success rate.
Advanced technologies like real-time monitoring and biometric passport control allowed more than 95% of passengers to enjoy minimal wait times. The airport also enhanced accessibility, offering dedicated services for People of Determination and those with hidden disabilities, further emphasizing its inclusive approach.
DXB’s people-focused culture was recognized in Q1 with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, highlighting the airport’s investment in employee engagement, wellbeing, and leadership.
In March, DXB was officially named the world’s busiest international airport for the 11th consecutive year by Airports Council International (ACI). The airport now connects travelers to 269 destinations in 106 countries, served by 101 global carriers.
This growth reflects Dubai’s rising global appeal and DXB’s vital role as the primary hub for international travel. Despite coming off a record-setting Q1 in 2024, passenger traffic still grew by 1.5% year-on-year. January alone set a new record as the airport’s busiest month ever, with 8.5 million guests passing through — an achievement credited not just to infrastructure, but to the coordinated efforts of thousands of dedicated staff.
India remained the airport’s top market, contributing 3 million travelers, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). Among cities, London topped the list with 935,000 passengers, followed by Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Leisure travel surged due to seasonal trends, Eid holidays, and school breaks, with standout growth in traffic to the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%).
On the cargo side, volumes dipped slightly by 3.6% year-on-year, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes in Q1.
Behind the numbers is the human factor driving DXB’s success. The dedication and professionalism of the "oneDXB" team—including Dubai Airports staff, government agencies, airlines, and commercial partners—ensure smooth operations and memorable guest experiences.
One notable example involved the airport’s Lost and Found team, who, working with Dubai Police, swiftly recovered a lost bag containing AED 102,000 in cash and important documents—returning it to two distressed brothers within just 30 minutes. Another moment of compassion came from immigration officer Abdullah Al Baloushi, who paused a guest in a wheelchair so her son could say a proper goodbye. The act was publicly praised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who lauded it as a model of Dubai’s hospitality.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths noted that Q1’s performance has laid a solid foundation for the year, not just in passenger volume, but in service quality. Successfully managing DXB’s busiest month while maintaining high standards in baggage handling, guest flow, and accessibility is a testament to the team's precision and collaborative spirit.
DXB recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1, a 1.9% increase from the previous year, averaging 215 passengers per flight. Baggage systems processed over 21 million bags, with mishandled luggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 per 1,000 passengers, achieving a 99.8% success rate.
Advanced technologies like real-time monitoring and biometric passport control allowed more than 95% of passengers to enjoy minimal wait times. The airport also enhanced accessibility, offering dedicated services for People of Determination and those with hidden disabilities, further emphasizing its inclusive approach.
DXB’s people-focused culture was recognized in Q1 with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, highlighting the airport’s investment in employee engagement, wellbeing, and leadership.
In March, DXB was officially named the world’s busiest international airport for the 11th consecutive year by Airports Council International (ACI). The airport now connects travelers to 269 destinations in 106 countries, served by 101 global carriers.