Hajj departure flights will operate until 23 May on services by Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and flynas. The Official Dubai Government Delegation departs today, 21 May.

An operational readiness plan, developed to ensure safe, coordinated and efficient passenger flow during travel peaks, was built in close coordination with airline and government partners including Dubai Police, GDRFA, Dubai Customs, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), dnata, Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Preparations include dedicated check-in counters, assigned nearest departure and arrival gates to minimise walking distances for pilgrims, complimentary gift packs, multilingual Guest Experience Ambassadors, support desks, prayer rooms and Ihram changing facilities. Elderly pilgrims and those requiring additional support will benefit from expanded wheelchair availability, on-site health checks and ground assistance teams stationed throughout the airport journey. DCAS has also scaled up its on-ground presence to provide proactive medical support and respond to any health-related needs.

Pilgrims are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure and to carry all required travel documents, including Hajj permits and vaccination certificates, and follow documentation guidance issued by the relevant authorities.

Pilgrims are expected to return between 30 May and 2 June, and will be welcomed with dedicated arrival arrangements, including separate baggage belts for Zamzam water.

Guests travelling through DXB were invited to pause and receive personalised sketches from local, Dubai-based artists positioned throughout the airport. The activation added a simple, personal touch to the travel experience, with families gathering briefly to watch each illustration come to life before continuing on their journey.

Designed to acknowledge the role travel plays in connecting people, the initiative reflects Dubai Airports’ continued focus on elevating the guest experience through thoughtful, family-centred moments across the airport. It also highlights the everyday journeys that pass through DXB, reinforcing its role as a global gateway for people coming together.

During this period, the pattern is consistent across both arrivals and departures. Outbound travel dominates in the days leading up to the National Day break, as residents take advantage of the long weekend. Mid-December, the rhythm shifts again and inbound travel rises sharply, driven by Dubai’s vibrant and rich festive calendar. Dubai Airports continues to work closely with oneDXB partners, including airlines, control authorities, commercial partners and airport service teams, to ensure smoother journeys. The airport has also issued smart travel tips to help guests make their journey seamless during this travel peak:

• If you’re flying with Emirates, use the airline’s convenient home, early and self-service check-in facilities as well as a city check-in option at ICD Brookfield Place in the DIFC area in Dubai.
• Arrive no earlier than three hours before the scheduled departure time. Use online check-in where available to save time.
• Families with children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• Emirates First and Business Class guests departing from Terminal 3 can use the “Red Carpet” Smart Tunnel for a quick, document-free passport check.
• Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you’re travelling to and be prepared with all the necessary travel documents.
• Properly pack spare batteries and power banks in your hand luggage.
• Say your goodbyes at home as only passengers will be allowed inside the terminals during peak periods.
• Use Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport’s Terminals 1 and 3. Metro operating times are generally extended during festive holidays and peak periods at DXB.
• Enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards from trained staff, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in DXB Terminal 2.
• Stay informed on flight and gate updates with DXB Express Maps, the wayfinding platform that helps you navigate the airport with a quick QR code scan and search.
• Once at the airport, enjoy DXB’s world-class facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping, hotel and exclusive lounge access before the flight.

The back-to-school surge follows a record-breaking first half of 2025, which saw Dubai welcome 9.88 million international overnight visitors—a 6% increase year-on-year—and DXB handle over 46 million guests, reaffirming its position as the world’s biggest international airport.

Dubai Airports is working with the oneDXB community including airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners, to ensure a seamless, stress-free journey for every guest during this busy travel period. Here are some top essential tips and guidance to help guests navigate the airport with ease.

Arrivals tips for a smooth welcome at DXB:

• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.      
• Keep passports, boarding passes, and any necessary visas handy to speed up clearance.
• Make the most of the DXB experience with various amenities in lounges, dining and shopping outlets, and duty-free. 
• Use the Dubai Metro, with stations conveniently located at DXB’s Terminals 1 and 3. Guests can also choose from a variety of other transport options, including Uber, Careem, RTA taxis, or car rentals.
• Enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.

Daily volumes are forecast to average over 265,000 with the busiest day on 5 July for both departures and transfer traffic. Dubai Airports, alongside its stakeholders, has activated an integrated summer readiness plan to ensure guest journeys remain safe and efficient.

While the wider regional situation has led to some delays and cancellations across the network, the oneDXB community has been working around the clock to support guests, provide welfare, and maintain service continuity. Supported by a real-time monitoring and predictive system to optimise manpower and resource utilisation. DXB continues to monitor the situation in close coordination with authorities and airline partners, prioritising the safety of all guests and employees on the ground and through to take-off.

Guests departing in the coming days are encouraged to follow these key tips to ensure a smoother airport experience:

• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• Arrive no earlier than three hours before departure.
• Utilise online check-in, self-service kiosks and bag drop at DXB Terminal 3.
• DUBZ provides home check-in and baggage collection services, allowing guests to complete their airport formalities from the comfort of their home or hotel.
• Stay informed on flight and gate updates with DXB Express Maps, the wayfinding platform that helps you navigate the airport with a quick QR code scan and search.
• Enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards from trained staff, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in DXB Terminal 2.
• Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s full range of facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping and lounges to relax before their flight.

This year, approximately 3,100 pilgrims are set to depart from DXB on 28 dedicated flights operated by Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, and flynas. The official delegation from the Government of Dubai will commence their journey on the first official Hajj flight from Terminal 3 on 1 June 2025. To ensure a streamlined experience, Dubai Airports, in collaboration with the oneDXB community, including Dubai Police, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, dnata, and airline partners, has implemented the following measures:

• Dedicated check-in counters across Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
• Prayer rooms and changing facilities in all terminals for Ihram preparation.
• Multilingual Guest Experience Ambassadors and Hajj Committee support desks.
• Designated baggage carousels for the secure handling of Zamzam water.

Pilgrims are advised to arrive at the airport at least four hours prior to departure and to carry all required travel documents, including passport, Emirates ID, Hajj permit, and vaccination certificate.

"These journeys are personal, profound, and often once in a lifetime," said Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports. “Through the efforts of our people and the oneDXB community, we want to ensure every pilgrim departs with confidence and returns with ease.”

The pilgrims are expected to return between 9 and 12 June. Preparations are in place to provide a warm welcome, coordinated baggage support, and a small token of appreciation upon arrival. The Hajj season coincides with the summer travel peak and the Eid Al Adha holiday, during which DXB anticipates a significant increase in guest volumes. Dubai Airports remains committed to maintaining operational excellence and ensuring a smooth travel experience for all passengers during this period.

Daily total traffic is set to average 276,000 guests, with the sharpest rise projected in the first week of April. Departures during the Eid week are anticipated to surge by 19% compared to average weekly volumes over the past month, reflecting a significant seasonal uplift.

With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy.

To support smooth journeys during this peak period, Dubai Airports is urging guests to use the recently introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool that provides real-time navigation across all terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate, browse the full array of dining and retail options, or find nearby facilities with ease.

Dubai Airports is also ready with enhanced services for People of Determination (PoD) through clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyard from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.

In collaboration with airline, service and commercial partners, and government authorities, Dubai Airports is working to ensure seamless guest flows across all touchpoints throughout the holiday period.

For more information on travel updates, airport services or accessibility support, guests can visit www.dubaiairports.ae. Real-time wayfinding is available by scanning DXB Express Maps QR codes located throughout the terminals.

This record-breaking performance was driven by sustained growth throughout the year, capped by an extraordinary final quarter that highlighted Dubai’s magnetic appeal as a global destination for travel, business, and investment. December emerged as the busiest month of 2024, with 8.2 million guests choosing DXB as their gateway and destination, reaffirming its position as the airport of choice for millions worldwide.

Commenting on the achievement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: "Dubai International (DXB) is a global success story that reflects the UAE’s ability to transform bold ambitions into reality. Consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, its record annual passenger traffic this year is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence that continues to shape the UAE’s progress."

“Our sustained investment in enhancing the airport’s capabilities contributes to our ability to achieve ambitious goals such as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s targets of becoming one of the world’s top five logistics hubs and doubling foreign trade by expanding connections to 400 new cities globally.”

His Highness commended the teams behind this remarkable success led His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. "Beyond gaining accolades, this achievement reflects our determination to set new global benchmarks. Under Sheikh Ahmed’s guidance, Dubai continues to redefine what a world-class airport experience means, inspiring travellers and industries alike." 

Sheikh Mohammed further said: "Our focus goes beyond rankings, we aim to provide exceptional value to the world. In the years ahead, we seek to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global bridge between markets and cultures, and a hub for connectivity and innovation. The future promises even greater milestones, each a step closer to realising Dubai’s bold vision.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Crossing the 92 million mark is a monumental achievement for DXB and for Dubai. It reflects the relentless drive, collaboration, and passion of the oneDXB community – our people and partners – who work together to deliver seamless, world-class experiences that leave a lasting impression on every guest.

This year’s results exceeded our forecast by almost 200,000 in guest numbers, underscoring the strength of DXB’s global appeal. Looking ahead, we are confident in reaching the milestone of 100 million annual guests by 2027. Our $35 billion expansion plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) will ensure we not only accommodate this growth but also allow Dubai Airports to redefine what it means to travel. This mega-project will give us the opportunity to incorporate the latest thinking in 21^st Century airport design, gleaned from delivering the very best service to the more than 700 million customers that have passed through DXB over the last decade. We will ensure that the experience gained from 10 years as the world’s largest international airport will make Dubai an even more compelling destination.”

New benchmarks
With connections to 272 destinations across 107 countries served by 106 international airlines, DXB continues to set the standard as one of the world’s most connected airports.
DXB handled 2.2 million tonnes of cargo during 2024, a sharp increase of 20.5% from last year when the hub registered 1.8 million tonnes in annual cargo.
The number of all flight movements increased by 5.7% in 2024 to reach 440,300, with a load factor of 78.1, a marginal growth of 0.3% for the year.

Operational excellence
DXB achieved an incredible milestone in 2024 by handling 81.2 million bags while maintaining an industry-leading success rate of 99.45%. This translates to just 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 guests, beating the international standard of 6.9 bags/1000 guests as reported by SITA. Despite the massive surge in guest numbers, 98.2% of guests waited less than 10 minutes at departure passport control and 99.2% guests waited under five minutes at security.

Since 2014, DXB has led the ACI rankings as the world’s busiest international airport. Over the past decade, it has welcomed more than 700 million guests on over 3.3 million flights. This remarkable journey has been defined by operational innovation, a dedication to quality, and the collective spirit of the oneDXB community. A community that is frequently recognised for delivering exceptional guest experiences at the oneDXB Chairman’s Awards. 

“This achievement isn’t just about numbers,” Griffiths added. “It’s about the people who make it possible –the dedication of our team, the seamless collaboration with our partners, and the trust of the millions of guests who choose DXB year after year. Together, we are shaping the future of air travel.”

As DXB celebrates its record-breaking 2024, it is already setting its sights on the future. With Dubai’s renowned winter season, major global events, and ongoing infrastructure investments, DXB is poised to build on its success in 2025 and beyond. The airport’s unwavering focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences ensures its place as the world’s most connected and preferred global hub.

^{*DXB completed 10 years at the top of ACI’s list of the world’s busiest airports for international passenger traffic in 2023.}

The daily average is projected at 274,000 guests, with Friday, December 20, anticipated to be the busiest day of the period, hosting nearly 296,000 guests. The weekend from December 20 to 22 will also see peak activity, with an estimated 880,000 guests passing through.

Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: "Delivering the exceptional experience that DXB is known for during peak travel periods is always a challenge, but one we are well-prepared to meet with collaboration across the oneDXB family. This year, we are excited to welcome millions of guests while also creating moments of joy through festive activations. The Family Zone at Terminal 3 will transform into a winter wonderland featuring a unique fusion performance of carollers and beatboxers, a Magic Station offering gift-wrapping and photo opportunities, a Nutcracker marching band, and more. These activities are designed to surprise and delight, making every journey through DXB truly memorable."

This season’s traffic surge reflects Dubai’s global appeal, with visitors drawn to its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings, as well as the city’s amazing winter weather. Of the projected traffic, 1.7 million guests will arrive in Dubai, and 1.5 million will depart, underscoring Dubai’s rising position as a premier destination for international travellers.

Travel Tips for Guests 
Dubai Airports is committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience for all guests during this peak period. Here are some tips for those travelling during the coming weeks to make their journey as smooth as possible:

• Check-in Early
  - Emirates guests can use home check-in, early check-in, and city check-in facilities.
  - For other airlines, guests should arrive no earlier than three hours before departure.
   
• Safe & Secure
  - Save time by placing metal items and electronics in hand luggage and adhering to LAGs (liquid, aerosols, and gels) regulations.
  - Permitted portable electronic devices, power banks, and spare batteries are prohibited in checked-in luggage and must be carried in/as hand luggage.
   
• Use Smart Gates: Families with children over 12 can expedite passport control through Smart Gates.
   
• Plan: Organise travel documents, check baggage allowances, and familiarise yourself with your airline’s regulations to avoid surprises.
   
• Avoid Congestion
  - Opt for the Dubai Metro for easy access to and from Terminals 1 and 3.
  - Farewell goodbyes should be exchanged at home, as only passengers will be permitted inside the terminals during peak periods.
   

DXB’s preparations for the winter rush reinforce its standing as the world’s busiest international airport, ensuring a smooth journey for all travellers.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “This year has highlighted the very best of DXB — showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, qualities that have become synonymous with the airport. At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and robust operational performance, keeping us at the top for over a decade. DXB continues to be our core focus, with ongoing investment in customer service and technological advancements, to ensure our  success in delivering a superior hospitality experience.

“What’s particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic than ever before — a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated. This reflects Dubai’s evolution into not just a premier tourist destination, but also a globally attractive place to live, work, and do business, further underscored by the city’s booming real estate market and its rising appeal as a destination for top talent. We’re focused on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience in the final quarter, buoyed by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and renowned attractions.”

Strong Q3

The momentum from the first half of 2024 carried into Q3, during which DXB managed 23.7 million guests, significantly contributing to the year-to-date total of 68.6 million — a growth of 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023. Over 111,300 flights were handled in Q3, propelling the total flight movements (all operations) for the first nine months to 327,700, up 6.4% year-on-year. 

DXB’s ability to handle such high volumes seamlessly reflects the dedication of its team and partners to providing an efficient and world-class guest experience. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as biometrics and real-time tracking systems, guests continue to enjoy a seamless and elevated journey.

Top Markets and Destinations

India continued to lead as the top destination market with 8.9 million guests over the nine-month period. Saudi Arabia followed with 5.6 million guests, marking a 15.2% increase, while the UK accounted for 4.6 million guests, a 4.7% growth year on year. Pakistan and the USA contributed 3.4 million and 2.6 million guests, respectively, and Germany recorded 2.0 million guests.

London remained the top city destination with 2.9 million guests, followed by Riyadh, which saw strong growth at 2.3 million guests — a 25.8% increase. Other key city destinations included Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), New Delhi (1.6 million), and Istanbul (1.3 million). 

During this period, DXB processed 60.1 million bags with an industry-leading accuracy rate of 99.3%. Approximately 92% of arriving baggage for terminating guests was delivered within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on stand. These figures highlight DXB’s unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, showcasing its capability to manage high traffic volumes with precision, maintaining smooth operations and a top-tier airport experience.

Direct Traffic and Winter Growth 

DXB expects to welcome 23.2 million guests in the final quarter, a period known for high direct traffic, driven by expats travelling home for the festive season and visitors arriving to enjoy the UAE’s packed winter calendar. Around 60% of Q4 traffic is forecast to be direct, compared to 50% in Q3 and 55% for the full year.

Major global events and attractions, from the DP World Tour Championship, Emirates Dubai 7s, festive markets and famed New Year’s Eve celebrations, to GITEX Global and ADIPEC – in the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi – draw millions of international guests. The cruise season is also in full swing, with many passengers set to pass through Dubai’s ports as cruise operators capitalise on the city’s world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity. 

This bustling period further underscores Dubai’s appeal as a warm and vibrant winter escape, particularly for travellers from colder and rainier regions seeking sunshine and premium experiences. Growth is expected from Western Europe, with an increase of 237,000 seats (vs. Q3), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, adding 301,000 seats, supported by home-based carriers and new airlines, including ITA, Condor, Hainan and Druk Air, which introduces a new route to Paro, in western Bhutan, are also new to the network, and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) welcomes Transavia and Eurowings. This addition of airlines and destinations reinforces DXB’s status as one of the most connected airports globally.

A Strong Foundation for 2025

DXB retained its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, unveiled by the Airports Council International (ACI) earlier this year. With its robust performance so far and the anticipated surge in Q4, its 2024 annual traffic is now forecast to reach 91.9 million guests – the highest in its 64 years. This performance underscores its operational excellence and the increasing share of direct traffic, mirroring Dubai’s broader evolution as a sought-after city for tourism, business, and long-term living, evidenced by its recent ranking as the top city in the Middle East and Africa and among the top five cities globally in the ‘Global City Index 2024’^[1].

With the groundwork laid in 2024, DXB is well-positioned for continued success, ready to maintain its leadership in global aviation and redefine the travel experience for guests while paving the way for future growth and innovation.

^{_[1] Dubai ranks highest in Middle East and North Africa in the ‘2024 Global City Index’}

The study, compiled by global research firm Oxford Economics, includes an assessment of direct economic activity generated by the aviation sector, indirect activity generated through the sector’s supply chain, and induced activity supported through wage-funded consumption by the local aviation workforce. The study also assesses the catalytic impact of tourism spending facilitated by the aviation sector in Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said: “Under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s aviation sector has been a core pillar of our city’s economic growth strategy to date, and it will continue to play a key role in the D33 Economic Agenda. 

“Supported by strong air connectivity, Dubai has a prominent presence on the global stage for trade, investments, tourism, and is a leading player in aviation and logistics. Our ambitious plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International airport, and our ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International, will unlock further economic opportunities by supporting the projected demand for air transport. Our growth plans will generate even more skilled jobs, and also help drive innovation as we work with leading technology partners to develop future solutions to enhance travel experiences and make operations more efficient and secure.”  

Aviation sector’s contribution to Dubai economy
In 2023, Dubai’s aviation sector, consisting of Emirates Group, Dubai Airports (including Dubai International and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum airports), and other aviation sector entities¹ are estimated to have supported AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion) in gross value added² (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP.  This included the core economic impact of AED 94 billion, and AED 43 billion from the catalytic impact of aviation-facilitated tourism. These figures are projected to increase steadily, with aviation activities facilitated by Emirates and Dubai Airports contributing AED 196 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s forecasted GDP by 2030 (in 2023 prices). 

Aviation-led activity also accounted for 631,000 jobs across Dubai, equivalent to one in five jobs in the emirate in 2023. A further 185,000 aviation-linked jobs are expected to be created by 2030, with the total number of jobs supported by Dubai’s aviation sector forecast to grow to 816,000 jobs. 

A previous economic impact report released by Oxford Economics in 2014 found that the aviation sector contributed 27% of Dubai’s GDP and supported 417,000 jobs. While the latest results indicate the share of Dubai’s GDP has remained stable, the sector’s gross value added has increased in real terms, with the current figures reflecting faster growth across other sectors, as well as diversification in the wider economy over the past decade. 

Dubai’s vital investment to futureproof its aviation sector and ensure it remains an economic driver, is evident in ongoing major investments to expand capacity and operations at Dubai International, in addition to a new generation facility at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International. The new AED 128 billion airport will be five times the size of Dubai International, with the first phase to be completed in 10 years. When fully completed, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International will consist of over 400 aircraft stands, with capacity to serve 260 million passengers annually. The expansion of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International is not included in the study’s main impact results³; however, the construction project is expected to contribute an estimated AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030, as well as support 132,000 jobs. 

The new airport and surrounding infrastructure will contribute to Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen the emirate’s trade and tourism footprint. D33’s progressive development plans also seek to make Dubai one of the most connected cities by adding 400 destinations to its foreign trade map, in addition to making it one of the top five logistics hubs in the world. 

Aviation and tourism in Dubai
Aviation is also the driving force behind the growth of international tourism to Dubai. As one of the most frequented destinations in the world, visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights in 2023⁴, spending an average of AED 4,300⁴ on hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping. According to the report, international visitors flying to Dubai spent an estimated AED 66 billion last year.

In total, aviation-facilitated tourism spending is estimated to have contributed: AED 43 billion in gross value added, or 8.5% of Dubai’s GDP, supporting 329,000 jobs. More than half of GVA, AED 23 billion, was generated by those flying to Dubai with Emirates. Tourism to Dubai is projected to grow significantly over the next six years, with aviation-facilitated tourism spending expected to support AED 63 billion in gross value added, equivalent to 10% of Dubai’s projected GDP, as well as one in eight Dubai jobs.

The full Oxford Economics report ‘The Economic Impact of Aviation In Dubai’, can be found here

¹ ^{Other aviation entities include flydubai, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Dubai Immigration, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and Dubai Aviation City Corporation.}
²^{Gross Value Added (GVA) is defined as the sum of compensation of employees and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). It is also equal to revenue minus the cost of bought in goods and services used up to produce that revenue. Summed across all firms in an economy, and after small adjustments for taxes and subsidies, GVA is equal to GDP.}
³^{The Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) expansion announced in April 2024 is not included in the impact forecast. The DWC expansion would contribute an estimated AED 6.1 billion in gross value added to the economy in 2030, equivalent to 1.0% of Dubai’s forecasted GDP; and generate 132,000 jobs, equivalent to 3.7% of Dubai's employment in that year.} 
⁴ ^{Based on Dubai Tourism 2023 Performance Report (link)}

• Emirates passengers can take advantage of the airline’s convenient home, early and self-check-in facilities, including city check-in options.
• flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure.
• Guests flying with other airlines should aim to arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before their scheduled departure time, utilising online check-in where available to save time.
• Familiarise yourself with your airline's baggage allowance and packing regulations. Avoid last-minute surprises by checking in advance.
• Save time at security screening by being prepared. Place metal items— watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins, belt— in your hand luggage and follow the directed guidelines for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels.
• Families with children over 12 can expedite the passport control process by using Smart Gates.
• Keep abreast of the latest travel regulations for your destination and ensure you have all necessary documents ready.
• Organise your travel documents in advance and weigh your luggage at home to avoid surprises at the airport and streamline your journey.
• Remember to pack spare batteries and power banks in your hand luggage.
• Farewell goodbyes should be exchanged at home.
• Use the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport and between Terminals 1 and 3 to avoid road congestion.
• Access to the arrivals’ forecourts in both Terminals 1 and 3 is restricted to public transport and authorised airport vehicles only.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said since yesterday, ahead of its recovery schedule, DXB returned to its normal flight schedule and is back to operating around 1,400 flight movements a day.

“With roads in and around the airport 100% clear of water accumulation, our manpower, logistics and facilities are operating as usual again. To have the airport back up and running is no small feat. 2,155 flights were cancelled and 115 were diverted. We had to work closely with our airline partners and service providers to rework schedules, boost manpower and look after all those who had been disrupted. “I’m continuously amazed with the unwavering dedication of our Dubai Airports employees, airline partners, government agencies, commercial partners and service partners. It has been the most challenging adverse weather event we’ve had to navigate, and our people and partners worked tirelessly to keep the operation running and to assist our guests.”

31 flights were diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC) and by 19 April, all guests at the airport were successfully supported and continued onwards to complete their travel plans. Guest welfare remained a key priority throughout the disruption and although there were initial challenges in transporting supplies with road closures around DXB and DWC, over 75,000  food packs were delivered across both airports. 

“While certain challenges remain, including processing the baggage backlog, we’re working closely with our service partners but know there’s still more work to be done and once again thank guests for their patience while we work through this,” Griffiths added.  

“We’re deeply saddened by the ongoing impact of the heavy rainfall on affected communities and businesses across the UAE. We’re also supporting our own people who were badly affected by the weather and will continue to support wherever we can.”

As normal operations resume, guests should arrive at their terminal only three hours ahead of their flight departure time to avoid unnecessary congestion and facilitate smoother operations. 

“While this milestone was greatly anticipated, its official confirmation instils us with great pride. DXB is proud to uphold its status as the world's foremost international airport for an unparalleled ten years. Throughout this decade, DXB has surpassed many records and attained numerous milestones, from welcoming our billionth passenger to introducing new terminals and facilities, collaborating with numerous airlines to broaden connectivity to diverse global destinations, all the while enhancing every aspect of the airport experience for our guests. Our unwavering commitment to operational excellence has set new benchmarks, cementing DXB's position as a leading entity in global aviation. This remarkable achievement underscores Dubai's collaborative ethos. Our success owes much to the collective efforts of all service partners within the airport community and the broader aviation, travel, and tourism sectors. Together, we have bolstered Dubai's reputation as the premier destination, offering unparalleled travel experiences worldwide. As we look ahead, our focus remains clear. We are determined to maintain DXB's dominant position for the next decade and beyond. Through sustained collaboration and innovation, we are poised to shape the future of global aviation, ensuring DXB remains synonymous with excellence across every facet of the passenger journey.”

• Emirates passengers can take advantage of the airline’s convenient home, early and self check-in facilities, including city check-in options.
• flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure.
• Guests flying with other airlines should aim to arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before their scheduled departure time, utilising online check-in where available to save time.
• Families with children over 12 can expedite the passport control process by using Smart Gates.
• Stay informed about the latest travel regulations for your destination and ensure you have all necessary travel documents ready.
• Pre-weigh luggage at home, organise documents in advance, and be prepared for security checks to minimise stress and delays.
• Remember to pack spare batteries and power banks in your hand luggage.
• Farewell goodbyes should be exchanged at home, as only passengers will be permitted inside the terminals during peak periods.
• Utilise the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport as well as between Terminals 1 and 3 in case of congestion on the roads.
• Access to the arrivals’ forecourts in both Terminals 1 and 3 is restricted to public transport and authorised airport vehicles only. Visitors picking up guests should utilise DXB’s designated car parks or valet services.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “DXB's spectacular performance in 2023 is a resounding testament to the visionary leadership and determination of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve growth and excellence across sectors, surmounting all challenges along the way. This exceptional performance underscores Dubai's emergence as the world’s most popular tourism destination and its pivotal role in global commerce and trade, facilitated by the unmatched connectivity, aviation capacity and logistics infrastructure that has been built steadily over the years under His Highness’s leadership.”

“Dubai is setting new benchmarks in passenger experience with excellence levels and innovative technologies that constantly redefine airport services. Consistent with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business over the next decade, the city continues to grow rapidly as a global aviation hub and the world’s preferred gateway for international travellers. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to further enhancing Dubai's leading position on the global stage.”

His Highness noted that Dubai Airports, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, has introduced strategic initiatives and made vital investments in infrastructure, technology, and customer service to place Dubai at the forefront of global aviation growth.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, "I am incredibly proud of everyone at Dubai International, for their dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence, which has propelled us to break many of our own records. 2023 was an exceptional year and is a testament to our unwavering commitment to operational excellence, efficiency, innovation and delivering exemplary guest experience. This translated to DXB achieving its highest internal engagement scores – a reflection of our commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, where every contribution is valued and every employee is empowered to their full potential. I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated team, the heartbeat of our organisation, and to our partners whose, collaborative work was instrumental in achieving these milestones. 

“Looking ahead, we're renewing our commitment to collectively enhance the airport experience for our all our guests by launching significant projects to refurbish facilities at DXB and fortify our infrastructure for future growth. DXB remains firmly positioned as a global leader, setting the gold standard for exceptional guest experiences and international aviation excellence.”

Traffic figures 
In 2023, DXB witnessed a surge in guest numbers, reaching a total of 86,994,365, an impressive year-on-year increase of 31.7%. Just under a per cent higher than the guest numbers recorded in 2019 (86.4 million), the numbers were driven by robust growth in the second half of the year during which the airport recorded a total of 45.4 million guests. 
With 7.8 million guests, December was the busiest month in the fourth quarter during which the airport welcomed a total of 22.4 million guests, a year-on-year growth of 13.8% compared to Q4 of last year. Q3 remained the quarter with the highest traffic since 2019 with 23 million guests while August, with 7.9 million guests, was the month with the highest traffic. 
As of the latest data for 2023, DXB is currently connected to 262 destinations across 104 countries through 102 international carriers.

Operational excellence and guest experience 
DXB processed an impressive total of 77.5 million bags in 2023, making it the highest volume of bags managed during a calendar year at the airport. Despite 24.6% year-on-year increase in baggage volume, DXB maintained its unmatched success rate of 99.8%, with only 2.4 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers.
More than 95% of guests experienced less than seven minutes of waiting time at departure passport control while the average waiting time at security check on departures was less than four minutes for 97.5% of guests.
In ACI World’s globally recognised Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme, DXB scored  4.44, the highest result achieved by the airport to date, reflecting the hub’s commitment to continuously enhance guest satisfaction, business performance and airport service quality. 

Top country destinations
India claimed the top spot among destination countries with traffic totalling 11.9 million guests, followed by KSA with 6.7 million guests and the UK with 5.9 million guests. Other country markets of note include Pakistan (4.2 million), the US (3.6 million), Russia (2.5 million), and Germany (2.5 million).

Top destinations
London retained its position as the top destination with 3.7 million guests, followed by Riyadh with 2.6 million guests, Mumbai with 2.5 million guests. 

Cargo
In 2023, DXB handled cargo totalling 1,805,898 tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 4.5% compared to the previous year. Cargo volumes registered a growth of 20.4% year-on-year in the fourth quarter to reach 506,018 tonnes.

Flight Movements
The double-digit increase in guest numbers during the year continued to reflect in flight movements at the hub which totalled 416,405 in 2023, the highest ever total movements recorded at DXB, and up 21.3% year-on-year.  

Outlook
Initial forecasts indicate that in 2024, DXB is anticipated to receive 88.8 million guests, putting the hub within striking distance of its previous all-time high record of 89.1 million guests set in 2018.

As the festive season gets underway, hundreds of thousands of travellers are expected to take to the skies to reunite with family and loved ones, indulge in holiday getaways or explore exciting new destinations.

At the heart of it all Dubai International (DXB), the world’s most connected and biggest international airport, is primed for peak season, ready to facilitate a diverse range of offerings this holiday season.

DXB will welcome an estimated 4.4 million passengers through its doors between December 15 and December 31, with the average total daily traffic reaching 258,000. The hub is preparing for an exceptional spike in guest numbers on Friday, December 22, the busiest day for the airport, welcoming an estimated 279,000 passengers.

As Dubai continues to cement itself as a popular destination during the winter, a surge in arrivals is anticipated to hit during the last two weekends of the year, with half a million passengers – mainly comprising point to point traffic, expected to arrive over six days from December 22 to 24, and from December 29 to 31.

Whether departing to go home for the holidays, arriving in Dubai to celebrate the festive season or simply passing through, Dubai Airports aims to provide guests with a truly memorable experience.

Across Terminals 1, 2 and 3, the airport will host a series of activities, from a 3D photo opportunity in a giant snow globe and visits form a range of festive performers who will be handing out chocolates and other gifts, to the chance for little travellers to meet Santa and his elves and receive special presents.

“We welcomed new airlines and additional flights at DXB at the start of the winter to help attract a growing number of visitors to Dubai and connect them to even more cities. With the holiday spirit in full swing,  we’re prepared for this travel peak – your passport to a memorable experience. Backed by a state-of-the-art airport operations control centre, our dedicated teams across DXB are committed to making the festive travel experience cheerful and bright. Working closely with our partners to ensure your holiday travel is truly magical, we hope the added festive-themed activities will add a touch of wonder to their experience at DXB,” said Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports.

Here are DXB’s top tips to beat the festive rush.

• If you’re flying with Emirates, use the airline’s convenient home, early and self-service check-in facilities as well as a city check-in option at ICD Brookfield Place in the DIFC area in Dubai and the dedicated facility in Ajman.
• flydubai passengers should arrive at least four hours before their departure time.
• If you’re travelling with other airlines, arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before the scheduled departure time. Use online check-in where available to save time.
• Families with children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you’re travelling to, and be prepared with all the necessary travel documents.
• Weigh luggage at home, assemble documents in advance and be prepared for security checks to minimise stress and delays.
• Properly pack spare batteries and power banks in your hand luggage.
• Say your goodbyes at home as only passengers will be allowed inside the terminals during peak periods.
• Use Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport’s Terminals 1 and 3. Metro operating times are generally extended during festive holidays and peak periods at DXB. 
• Dubai Airports and the Road and Transport Authority have urged motorists to use alternate routes as the Airport Road leading to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 is expected to experience congestion during peak hours during the busy travel period.
• Access to the arrivals’ forecourts in both Terminals 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles only. Those visiting the airport to pick-up guests should use DXB’s designated car parks or valet services.
• Once at the airport, enjoy DXB’s world class facilities – including restaurants, duty free shopping, hotel and exclusive lounge access before their flight.

“We’re thrilled but not entirely surprised that DXB is all set to surpass the pre-pandemic milestone well ahead of our initial projections by almost a year. Our outlook for the remainder of this year and the next remains optimistic. Teaming up with our strategic partners, we’re ready for the challenge to continue to exceed guest satisfaction amidst the continuous surge in traffic,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. 

He added: “Our team embarked on a remarkable journey, navigating fresh challenges during the recovery period and swiftly revitalising the business. Instead of settling, we’re dedicated to exploring inventive solutions, reimagining traditional concepts, integrating state of the art technology, and addressing the mammoth challenge of sustainability. Events like the Dubai Airshow present the ideal platform to recognise accomplishments and foster future growth. This edition is clearly playing a critical role in forging the path for the industry’s future.”

Future Outlook
Dubai Airports is expecting record-breaking numbers to continue in Q4 and 2024. To accommodate growth and to achieve the company’s ambition of revolutionising the guest journey at DXB,  Dubai Airports is undertaking a strategic project to expand infrastructure capacity while enhancing operational efficiency. With a current capacity of 100 million passengers annually at DXB, the deployment of innovative technology, expansion and refurbishment of existing infrastructures and more efficient use of its space and resources is expected to propel the airport’s capacity to 120 million.

As Dubai tops the list of cities with the highest spending by international visitors with a total earning of $29.4bn^[1], and the Emirate at the forefront of deploying the latest technologies, Dubai Airports has continued to work closely with its stakeholders to provide guests the experience they expect from Dubai.

Top destinations
With 8.9 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, India was DXB’s top country destination in terms of traffic volume, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4.8 million passengers, and the UK (4.4 million passengers). Other country destinations of note include Pakistan with 3.1 million passengers, the US (2.7 million) and Russia (1.8 million). The top cities by traffic were London (2.7 million passengers) and Riyadh (1.9 million), closely followed by Mumbai (1.8 million) and Jeddah (1.7 million passengers).

Performance
DXB's baggage handling system processed a total of 57.5 million bags in 2023 with a success rate of 99.8% - a rate of 2.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers - no mean feat for the world's biggest hub for international traffic. In terms of baggage delivery on arrival, 91% of all baggage was delivered within 45 minutes to the guests. The baggage volume in 2023 represents 106.07% of the 2019 baggage volume at DXB.

The average waiting time at passport control queues was less than 11 minutes for 96.4% of the arriving passengers and 95.1% of passengers queued for less than six minutes at departure passport control. The average queue times at security-check on departures was less than four minutes for 98.4% of total passengers.

Cargo
Cargo continued to gain momentum in the third quarter registering a surge of 12.3% year on year, to reach 446,400 tonnes. The strong performance this year has helped level out a double-digit contraction in cargo recorded at the end of last year. The hub recorded 1.3 million tonnes of cargo in the first nine months of the year, registering a minor decline of under 1%. 

Flights
Flight movements in Q3 surged by 5.1% in the third quarter to reach 106,000. DXB handled 308,000 in total flight movements between January and September, up 25.2% year-on year. 

“It’s been a rewarding first half for Dubai International and amidst increasing guest numbers, we take great pride in knowing we are continuously delivering with operational excellence and providing an exemplary guest experience. Our dedicated team go above and beyond to create a personalised and seamless experience for every guest.  Recent stories of our team delivering a unique guest experience at DXB  include communicating with a guest with a hidden disability using a translator tool, working with our stakeholders to locate a lost passport minutes before the guest's flight was due to depart, helping a guest recover his lost wallet from his hotel after he cleared immigration and even reuniting a little boy in the U.K with his beloved stuffed bunny after he had been left behind at DXB .   

As we recover with our H1 traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

DXB's baggage performance continues to be world-leading, and in H1 2023, baggage volume increased by 7% compared to pre-pandemic H1 2019 levels. This year so far, DXB handled approximately 37.2 million bags without compromising baggage delivery to customers – 92% of all baggage was delivered within 45 minutes to customers.
In H1 2023, DXB successfully managed multiple seasonal peak periods and continued to provide a seamless guest experience through operational excellence, exceeding agreed KPIs in collaboration with the airports’ strategic partners.
DXB received numerous accolades including a certification from Airports Council International for its ongoing efforts to prioritise a safe and inclusive airport experience for guests with both physical and hidden disabilities – a significant milestone. And welcomed several new airlines to the DXB family, further expanding connectivity to new destinations and countries.

India continues to lead as DXB’s top destination country in terms of traffic with 6m guests in the first half, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.1m guests, and the United Kingdom with 2.8m guests. Other leading destinations include Pakistan (2m guests), the U.S. (1.8m guests), Russia (1.3m guests) and Germany (1.2m guests). 
The list of top city destinations was led by London with 1.7m guests, Mumbai (1.2m guests) and Riyadh (1.2m guests) following in a close third. 
DXB is connected to 257 destinations across 104 countries, through more than 91 international airlines. 

Cargo volumes at DXB surged in the second quarter by 16.1% year on year to reach 453,500 tonnes, bringing the total freight volume for the first half of the year to 853,500 tonnes, down from 6.2% compared to last year. 

DXB handled a total of 201,800 flights in the first half, up 30.2% year on year, up 13% compared to the same period in H1 2019. The average number of guests per flight during the first half reached 214 while the load factor was 77%.

Outlook for H2 2023
Looking to the remainder of the year, Dubai Airports is optimistic about the levels of demand and is expecting record-breaking numbers during the winter season. 
“We started the second half with strong demand in July, and with the ongoing seasonal peak coinciding with the reopening of schools in August, we’re preparing for an exceptionally busy rest of the year. We’ve readjusted our forecast for the year from 83.6m guests to 85m, just 1.6% shy of DXB’s annual traffic in 2019,” added Paul. 

• Travellers between the ages of 4 and 12 can use dedicated passport control counters to independently stamp their passports upon arrival at Terminals 1, 2, and 3. 
• For those travelling with families, travellers over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. 
• Make the most of the DXB experience with various amenities in lounges, dining and shopping outlets, and duty-free. 
• The road through the airport could get busy during peak times. If possible, use the Dubai Metro, which has stations at DXB Terminals 1 and 3. 
• DXB offers a range of other transportation choices — hail an Uber, Careem, RTA Taxi, or rent a car.
• Those picking up guests should use DXB’s designated car parks or valet services to receive their guests in comfort. Access to the Arrivals' forecourts in Terminals 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles only.
   

Once in Dubai, visitors and returning residents can discover the beautiful Emirate through the city’s diverse attractions, cultural exhibitions, live performances, tailored family experiences and more. 
For queries, call +9714 224 5555, email customer.care@dubaiairports.ae, or webchat through the Dubai Airports website or Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

The certification acknowledges DXB’s ongoing prioritisation of a safe and inclusive airport experience for passengers with both physical and hidden disabilities. This aligns with the 2019 ACI World General Assembly Resolution and United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons, which stipulates that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.  

Through the launch of a phased, two-year plan that addresses and elevates the travel experience for People of Determination (POD), DXB has successfully proven its ability to provide an accessible and inclusive airport experience for passengers, airport workers, visitors and the elderly. This includes launching a travel planner for pre-travel preparation, designing an Autism Friendly Route, and implementing a large-scale training programme.

Under the banner of ‘We all meet the world differently’, DXB’s innovative POD initiative contributes to Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s leading disability-friendly city and drives regional and international awareness of travellers with physical and hidden disabilities. 

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Dubai Airports remains committed to creating an inclusive airport experience and we’re working with stakeholders to ensure we continue to develop services and facilities that travellers with disabilities require to make their travel to Dubai comfortable. Our goal is to see the needs of POD met at every touchpoint of the journey – especially those with hidden disabilities such as autism, chronic fatigue, and pain. This prestigious ACI accreditation is a testament to our success so far and reaffirms our efforts as we continue to prioritise POD rights as an inseparable part of our guest experience.

“DXB is leading the way to make travel more inclusive by introducing thoughtfully designed infrastructure, such as a prioritised route through check-in, passport control, and security. These services and facilities are available to all POD with hidden disabilities as part of the sunflower lanyard scheme. We will continue to drive the common goal of Dubai and its leadership for an inclusive community that is free from barriers and empowers POD” he added.

Designed to help airports measure, evaluate, and improve their accessibility culture, the ACI accreditation is the only international programme dedicated to travel accessibility and passengers with disabilities. The programme provides a platform through which airports can demonstrate to travellers, regulators, and the wider aviation landscape that they are implementing international best practices and recommendations and serves as a foundation from which airports can continue to improve their approach to accessible airport experiences. 

“Dubai International’s recovery has been spectacular this year as evidenced by the impressive traffic growth in the first quarter. As a result, the seasonal peaks this year are expected to be the busiest since 2019, and we are preparing ourselves accordingly. Teams across DXB, representing terminal operations, guest experience, control authorities including Dubai Police, airlines, ground handling, baggage operations, car parks, and multiple commercial and service partners, are all working in perfect sync to maintain the high quality of service that international travellers have to come to expect of Dubai,” said Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports.
Backed by DXB’s state-of-the-art airport operations control centre, which not only monitors operations inside the terminals and on the airfield in real time but also helps predict and address operational situations before they occur, the teams at the airport are working collaboratively to ensure a smooth airport experience for passengers from kerb to boarding gates despite peak traffic. Meanwhile, Dubai Airports has also issued simple guidelines for passengers to follow to beat the holiday rush. 

• Passengers flying Emirates can use the airline’s convenient home, early and self-service check-in facilities as well as a city check-in option at ICD Brookfield Place in the DIFC area in Dubai and the dedicated facility in Ajman. 
•  flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before the departure time of their flight. 
• Passengers flying all other airlines should arrive at DXB no earlier than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flights. DXB recommends using online check-in where available to save time.
• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. 
• Passengers should be aware of the latest travel regulations for destinations they are travelling to, and to be prepared with all the necessary travel documents before reaching the airport.
• Weighing luggage at home, assembling documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks helps minimises stress at the airport.
• Spare batteries and power banks are considered a safety hazard and are prohibited to be carried in or as checked-in luggage. Passengers must properly pack batteries and power banks and carry them their hand luggage only.
• Travellers can use Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport’s Terminals 1 and 3. Metro operating times are generally extended during Eid holidays.
• Access to the arrivals’ forecourts in both Terminals 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles only. Those visiting the airport to pick-up guests are advised to use DXB’s designated car parks or valet services to receive their guests in comfort. 
• Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s world class facilities – including restaurants, duty free shopping, hotel, and exclusive lounge access – before their flight.

Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Head of Hajj Committee at Dubai Airports, urged all travellers to arrive at Dubai International (DXB) four hours before their scheduled flight departure to complete all travel procedures comfortably. In addition, he advised Hajj travellers to ensure the validity of all their travel documents, including passport, Emirates ID, and Hajj permit prior to arriving at the airport.

"It will get quite busy in the coming weeks as the Hajj season coincides with the summer travel peak, but the teams at DXB have completed the necessary planning and preparation to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests. We are ready to give the Hajj pilgrims a special welcome this year”, he said.
While Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to make the airport experience seamless, travellers can follow a few simple tips to smoothen their journey through the airport.

1.     Be aware of the latest travel regulations and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport.
2.     For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. 
3.     Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks can save a lot of time at the airport.
4.     Use the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport.
5.     Friends and families using private vehicles are advised to use the airport’s designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests in comfort as access to the Arrivals forecourt in Terminals 1 and 3 is limited to only public transport and other authorised airport vehicles.
6.     DXB guests can access the customer contact centre through calling direct number (04-224 5555), email at customer.care@dubaiairports.ae, webchat through the Dubai Airports and DXB&more websites, or using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Hajj committee comprises key service partners including Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, Dubai Health Authority, dnata, Emirates, flydubai, Saudi Airlines, and flynas. 

Key facts and figures
DXB’s passenger traffic totalled 21,256,489 during the first three months of the year, up 55.8% compared to the first quarter of 2022, and marking the first time since the fourth quarter of 2019 when average monthly traffic reached the 7-million passenger-mark. March was the busiest month in the first quarter with 7.3 million passengers, which is also the highest monthly traffic since January 2020 when DXB recorded 7.8m passengers.

DXB is currently connected to 234 destinations across 99 countries via 89 scheduled international carriers. 

Top destinations
India remained DXB’s top destination country with passenger traffic reaching 3m, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.6m), the UK (1.4m) and Pakistan (1m passengers). Other countries of note include the US (840K passengers), Russia(729K) and Germany (628K), while the list of top cities by passenger numbers was led by London (890K passengers) Mumbai (645K), and Jeddah (641K), followed closely by Riyadh (604K passengers). 

Cargo 
DXB handled a total of 400,015 tonnes of cargo during Q1, a contraction of 23% compared to the first quarter of 2022 during which the hub had handled 519,555 tonnes of airfreight. 

Flights
Total flight movements during Q1 reached 100,840, a year-on-year increase of 23% and 1.6% higher than Q1 of 2019 when DXB recorded a total of 99,197 movements. With load factors exceeding 2019 levels throughout the first quarter and reaching 80% in March 2023, the passenger per aircraft movement grew 19.5% to reach 220. 

“DXB’s performance in the first quarter has exceeded our expectations and reflects the strong growth in demand that we are continuing to see across our key markets. With important developments in the international travel sector such as the further easing of travel protocols in China, and the upcoming local annual seasonal peaks and festive holidays, our outlook for the second quarter and the remainder of the year remains bullish. Accordingly, we have had to readjust our traffic forecast for 2023 upward to 83.6 million passengers, which will put DXB within striking distance to our 2019 annual traffic” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

We are obviously quite thrilled to top the list of the world’s busiest international airports for the ninth consecutive year, but it comes as no surprise given Dubai International’s (DXB) stellar performance throughout 2022 and the upsurge in traffic in the final quarter. The increase in demand for air travel was universal in 2022, but what set DXB apart was the dedication of our people and the meticulous planning and preparation by each and every service partner that makes up Dubai’s amazing airport community. Our preparedness backed by collaboration enabled us to not just accommodate the rapid increase in demand but also deliver tangible enhancement in service quality and overall airport experience for the 66 million passengers that passed through DXB during the year. As we celebrate this achievement, our focus remains on continuing to work on keeping DXB on top of the list of the busiest hubs but also having it acknowledged by travellers globally as delivering the best airport experience in the world. 

Dubai International (DXB) has registered a year of strong recovery and consistently robust growth in its customer base that propelled the annual passenger numbers to 66 million in 2022. The airport’s growth outpaced the annual forecast yet again in the final months of the year following an exceptionally strong fourth quarter.

Key facts and figures
DXB welcomed a total of 66,069,981 passengers during 2022, a year-on year-growth of 127%. Traffic volumes were propelled by strong growth in the final quarter of the year during which the airport recorded 19,729,155 passengers, up 67% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. It was the busiest quarter since 2019. December was the busiest month of the year with 7.1 million passengers, the first time since January 2020 that DXB’s monthly traffic hit the 7 million mark.

Top destinations
India retained its position as the top destination country for DXB by passenger volume, with a total traffic of 9.8 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4.9 million passengers, and the United Kingdom with 4.6 million passengers. Other destination countries of note include Pakistan (3.7 million passengers) the US (3 million), and Russia (1.9 million), which along with Turkey (1.6 million) has recorded more than 100% recovery in passenger volumes compared to 2019 levels.  

DXB’s top destination cities during 2022 were London with 3 million passengers, Riyadh (2 million), Mumbai (1.9 million) and Jeddah and New Delhi both with 1.7 million passengers.

DXB is currently connected to 229 destinations across 99 countries through more than 88 international carriers.

Flights
Total flight movements at DXB totalled 96,701 during the fourth quarter bringing the annual flight movements to 343,339, a year-on-year growth of 47%. The average number of passengers per flight reached 204, up 33% year-on-year.

Cargo
Cargo continued to register a contraction in volumes with 420,125 tonnes recorded in the fourth quarter, down 31.7% compared to 614,834 tonnes in Q4 of 2021. DXB handled 1,727,815 tonnes of cargo during 2022, a drop of 25.5% resulting from the moving of all major freight operators back to Dubai World Central (DWC) and the return of pax-freighter aircraft back to passenger operations during the year.

Baggage and Waiting Times
DXB's baggage handling system processed a total of 62.2 million bags in 2022 with a success rate of 99.8% - a rate of 2.2 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, an impressive performance for the world's busiest international hub. In terms of baggage delivery on arrival, 92% of all baggage was delivered within 45 minutes* to our customers. The baggage volume in 2022 represents 86.2% of the 2019 baggage volume at DXB.

The average waiting time at passport control queues was less than 13 minutes for 95.48% of the arriving passengers and 96.24% of passengers queued for less than 5 minutes at departure passport control. The average queue times at security check on departures was less than 3 minutes for 96.38% of total passengers**.

Welcoming DXB’s stellar performance as the perfect high note on which to start the new year, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, “We knew it was the year when growth would return to the air travel sector in a big way, but the surge was much stronger than anticipated and we had to do our best to turn that challenge into an opportunity. Thanks to the planning, preparation, and all the collaboration and hard work of our people across the airport community, we were ready to meet the challenge of rapid recovery in customer numbers while delivering significant improvement in our service quality across the board.”

Commenting on the outlook for 2023, Griffiths said, “Given its dynamism and global impact, there is never a dull year for the aviation sector and 2023 will be no exception. With DXB forecast to welcome 78 million passengers this year, and Dubai hosting major international events including the Dubai Airshow and COP28, it will be another year of new challenges and opportunities and we are ready for them. Our top priority in 2023 will be our customers, our people, and sustainability – three key areas that are crucial to our aspirations and goals as the world’s busiest global hub, a preferred employer, and as a key player and trend-setter in the world’s aviation industry.”

Dubai International (DXB) will remain exceptionally busy over the coming days well into the New Year on account of the holiday season, prompting Dubai Airports to issue a travel alert. The operator is urging passengers to plan their trip to and through the airport and follow simple travel tips to ensure a smooth airport experience.

DXB’s average daily passenger numbers have risen almost back to pre-pandemic levels on the back of strong recovery throughout 2022, making this latest seasonal peak one of busiest since 2019. Over the next eight days starting December 27, nearly 2 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB, with average daily traffic reaching 245,000 passengers. January 2 is expected to be the busiest day with traffic exceeding 257,000 passengers.

December has been exceptionally busy for DXB owing to a combination of factors including the seasonal influx of visitors, the recently concluded football event in Doha, and Dubai’s emergence as a preferred tourist destination over the past two years.

Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for arriving and departing passengers, the operator has urged travellers to follow a few simple tips to beat the holiday rush.

• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. 
• The roads to the airport could get busy during peak times. It’s best to plan some extra time to get to and through the airport.
• If you are flying out of Terminal 1, arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure.
• Use online and self-service options wherever available to get off to a smooth start to your journey.
• Those travelling from Terminal 3 can use Emirate's convenient early and self-service check-in facilities.
• Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks can save a lot of time at the airport.
• Use the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport. Dubai Metro, which has stations at DXB’s Terminal  1 and Terminal 3, will be operational round the clock from December 31, 2022, to January 1, 2023.
• Say your goodbyes at home as typically only passengers are allowed inside the terminals during peak periods.
• Friends and families are advised to use the airport’s designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests in comfort as access to the arrival forecourt in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are limited to public transport and other authorised vehicles.

DXB started the second half of the year with a bang, with average monthly traffic exceeding the 6-million mark throughout the third quarter. The hub recorded 18.5 million passengers in Q3, the first time that quarterly traffic reached pre-pandemic levels since 2020. DXB had recorded 17.8 million passengers in the first quarter of 2020 prior to the pandemic.

“The growth in passenger traffic has been terrific throughout the year and continues to exceed our expectations by a margin. While we are thrilled with the numbers, what really gives us immense satisfaction is how the airport community is working together like a well-oiled machine to keep raising the bar on service quality. Our collaborative approach and service transformation initiatives are making a tangible difference in the happiness of our customers, and that remains our ultimate measure of success” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

Key facts and figures
Passenger volumes at DXB recorded a triple digit surge in the third quarter to reach 18,455,938, propelling the year-to-date September traffic to 46,340,826 passengers, a year-on-year increase of 167.6%. The YTD traffic volume represents 72% of DXB’s pre-pandemic passenger traffic during the same period in 2019.

Cargo
Impacted by the moving of all major freight operators from DXB back to Dubai World Central (DWC) in March, Cargo continued to register a softening of demand in Q3. DXB recorded 397,676 tonnes of freight in the Q3, bringing the total volume for the first nine months of 2022 to 1,307,691 tonnes, a year on year drop of 23.3%.

Flights
Flight movements in Q3 surged to 98,577 at DXB, propelling the number of flight movements recorded between January and September to 274,911, up 159.5% year-on year.

Top destinations
India was DXB’s top country destination in terms of traffic volume, recording 6.8 million passengers in the first nine months of the year. Saudi Arabia was placed second with 3.4m passengers followed by the UK (3.2m passengers) and Pakistan (2.7m passengers). Other country markets of note were the US and Australia with 2.2m and 1.1m in passenger traffic respectively. The top three cities by traffic were London (2m passengers), Riyadh (1.5m) and Mumbai (1.3m).

The 26.5-million-passenger-per-annum capacity terminal at DWC is already fully operational with the whole array of airport services, food and beverage and retail outlets as well as Dubai duty free, serving existing charter operations by multiple international carriers for the ongoing winter season.

The launch of the match day shuttle flights and additional charter flights connected to the FIFA World Cup games are expected to increase the passenger demand at DWC three-fold over the coming weeks. Passenger numbers at the airport are forecast to surpass 494,000 in the final three months of the year.

“A spike in demand of this magnitude would pose a challenge for any airport, but we have had some recent practice. In May-June this year, we orchestrated the almost flawless temporary relocation of more than 1,000 flights a week from Dubai International (DXB) to DWC for the 45-day long DXB northern runway rehabilitation project, while managing an exceptionally strong recovery throughout. The collaborative spirit within the airport community here in Dubai is strong and it will go into overdrive in the coming weeks to convert this challenge into a great opportunity,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

He added that the FIFA World Cup related operations will provide Dubai Airports a chance to showcase DWC’s unique selling points such as its proximity to new Dubai, quick turnaround time for carriers, and a full-fledged facility designed for quick and easy travel with minimum walking distances among others.

Dubai Airports is pulling out all the stops to provide match-goers travelling to Qatar a smooth and effortless airport experience at DWC. The operator will be deploying a dedicated front-line team to facilitate efficient processing at every service touchpoint, ensure a consistently smooth experience and on-time departures. More than 60 check-in counters, 24 boarding gates, 60 passport control counters (departures and arrivals) and 10 smart gates, and 4 baggage belts on arrivals will be operational throughout the period to cope with the anticipated surge in demand.

Getting to and from the airport will also be made easier through a Road Transport Authority (RTA) dedicated bus service operating every 30 minutes around the clock between DWC and the Ibn Battuta Metro Station and Expo City Metro Station. RTA taxis will also be available as usual, and travellers driving to DWC will be able to use the airport’s 2,500-vehicle capacity car park free-of-charge.

Dubai Airports has advised match-goers flying on match day shuttle flights to check the health and other requirements with their respective airlines before arriving to the airport. It is mandatory for travellers to hold a valid match ticket and the Hayya Card  to board match day shuttle flights. The baggage allowance for passengers using the shuttle service is limited to hand luggage as per their class of travel, and no checked luggage will be accepted except wheelchairs and strollers.

In addition to the match day shuttle services, flydubai and Qatar Airways will be operating chartered flights to cater to the passenger demand for the FIFA World Cup matches in Qatar.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – October 20, 2022: Dubai Airports has issued an advisory alerting travellers that Dubai International (DXB) will experience an exceptionally busy 10-day period as a result of schools breaking for half-term holidays later this week.

Passenger numbers at DXB are rising rapidly towards 2019 levels on the back of strong recovery throughout 2022, making seasonal peaks busiest since the pandemic. According to the operator, some 2.1 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB between October 21 to October 30, with total average daily traffic reaching 215,000 passengers. October 30^th is expected to be the busiest day with daily traffic exceeding 259,000 passengers.

While Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for arriving and departing passengers, the operator has urged travellers to follow a few simple tips to beat the holiday rush.

·Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you are travelling to and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport.

·For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. 

·If you are flying out of Terminal 1, arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure. Use online check in wherever available to save time.

·Those travelling from Terminal 3 can use Emirate's convenient early and self-service check-in facilities.

·Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks can save a lot of time at the airport.

·Use the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport.

·Friends and families are advised to use the airport’s designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests in comfort as access to the arrivals forecourt in Terminal 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised vehicles.

·Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s full range of facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping and lounges to relax before their flight.

·DXB guests can access the customer contact centre through calling direct number (04-224 5555), email at customer.care@dubaiairports.ae, webchat through the Dubai Airports and DXB&more websites, or using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

A steady surge of growth throughout the second quarter has propelled Dubai International’s (DXB) half yearly traffic to 27.9 million passengers, just 1.2 million shy of the airport’s total annual traffic last year. DXB achieved the milestone despite a significant reduction in capacity resulting from the 45-day closure of its northern runway in May-June for a major refurbishment project.

Key Figures    
Maintaining its growth recovery for the ninth successive quarter since the start of the pandemic, DXB recorded 14.2 million passengers in the second quarter of 2022, a year-on-year jump of 190.6%. The hub welcomed a total of 27,884,888 passengers in the first half of the year, up 161.9% compared to H1 2021. The traffic volume represents 67.5% of DXB’s pre-pandemic passenger traffic during the same period in 2019.

Top Destinations    
India remained DXB’s top destination country by passenger numbers with traffic for the first half reaching 4 million passengers – driven primarily by top city destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Saudi Arabia was second on the list with 2 million passengers, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 1.9 million passengers. Other country destinations of note include Pakistan (1.7 million passengers), and the U.S. (1.4 million passengers).

The top three cities were London with 1.3 million passengers, Riyadh (910,000 passengers), and Mumbai (726,000 passengers).

Cargo     
DXB handled 390,520 tonnes of cargo in the second quarter, bringing the total freight volume for the first six months of 2022 to 910,075 tonnes, a contraction of 18.9%. DXB’s cargo traffic was impacted during the second quarter by the moving of major freight operators back to Dubai World Central (DWC) in March. As a significant portion of the cargo traffic at DXB is carried within the hold of passenger aircraft, the total cargo throughput was affected by the reduction in capacity due to the northern runway refurbishment programme, which took place between 9^th May and 22^nd June.

Flights     
During the first six months of 2022, DXB handled a total of 154,993 flight movements, up 55.9% compared to the first half of 2021. The figure represents 87% of the pre-pandemic flight movements at DXB during the first half of 2019.

“DXB’s recovery from the impact of the global pandemic has been spectacular, and that position has been strengthened during 2022, particularly during the second quarter. Not only has Dubai Airports been successful in managing the recovery, but customer service quality has been maintained throughout. We knew at the start of the pandemic that the dramatic downturn would be followed by an equally dramatic upturn, so we were well prepared for it and using all of the business data at our disposal were able to predict the start of the recovery. We worked with our service partners across the airport community to be ready and prepared to deliver the consistently smooth and easy experience that our passengers have come to expect at DXB,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

Waiting Times      
Thanks to DXB’s investment in the latest biometric technology, Smart Gates are now speeding customers through the immigration process and our advanced operations control centre uses real-time information to improve service and efficiency across all touchpoints. Customer waiting times have also remained short despite surging traffic. During the first half, 96% of passengers queued for less than 5 minutes at departure passport control, whilst the average queue times at security check on departures was less than 3 minutes for 97% of total passengers*.

Baggage      
The 175km long baggage handling system at DXB processed a total of 27.1 million bags in the first half of 2022 with a success rate of 99.8% (mishandled baggage rate of 1.75 bags per 1,000 passengers), an impressive performance for the world's busiest international hub.  In terms of baggage delivery on arrival, 92% of all baggage was delivered within 30 minutes**. The current baggage volume represents 77.2% of the baggage volume at DXB for the same period in 2019.  

Forecast     
Based on the strong first half and projection of a stronger second half with average monthly traffic expected to reach 5.6 million passengers, Dubai Airports has readjusted upwards its annual forecast for 2022 to 62.4 million passengers.

-

*Based on average queuing times (weighted by the total number of passengers processed) captured by Dubai Airports’ real-time monitoring system.

**The baggage delivery performance measures the time from the moment the aircraft comes to a halt on the bay to the time the bags are delivered to the reclaim carousel.

According to the operator, some 2.4 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB between June 24 and July 4, with average daily traffic reaching 214,000 passengers. July 2^nd is expected to be the busiest day with daily traffic exceeding 235,000 passengers. Similar passenger numbers are anticipated at the airport over the Eid Al Adha weekend of July 8 and 9.

While Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for passengers from kerb to boarding gates, the operator has urged travellers to follow a few simple tips to beat the holiday rush.

• Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you are travelling to and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport.
• For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. 
• If you are flying out of Terminal 1, arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure. Use online check in wherever available to save time.
• Those travelling from Terminal 3 can use Emirate's convenient early and self-service check-in facilities.
• Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks can save a lot of time at the airport.
• Use Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport. Metro operating times are extended during Eid holidays.
• Friends and families are advised to use the airport’s designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests in comfort as access to the arrivals forecourt in Terminal 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised vehicles.
• Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s a full range of facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping and lounges to relax before their flight.

DXB’s performance has been impressive in the first five months of 2022 despite the reduction in capacity resulting from the 45-day closure of the northern runway for the rehabilitation project. The airport clocked 13.6m in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2022 and forecast for the year indicate that DXB will more than double its annual traffic from 29.1m in 2021 to 58.7m passengers this year.

Key facts and figures

Bolstered by 5.5m in passenger traffic in March, DXB’s passenger volumes rose to 13.6m in the first quarter of 2022, up 15.7% compared to 11.8m passengers in the final quarter of 2021. By comparison, DXB recorded 5.7 million passengers in the first quarter of 2021.

DXB is currently connected to 193 destinations across 92 countries via 73 scheduled international carriers.

Cargo

DXB handled a total of 519,555 tonnes of cargo during the first three months of 2022, a contraction of 15.5% compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2021) during which the hub recorded 614,834 tonnes of airfreight.

Flights

Flight movements during the first quarter totalled 81,966, an increase of 5.8% compared to the last quarter of 2021 during which 77,475 flights were recorded at DXB.

Top destinations

India held its longstanding position as DXB’s top destination country with passenger traffic reaching 1.6m, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.1m), Pakistan (997K) and the UK (934K passengers). The top three cities in terms of passenger numbers were London (617K passengers), Riyadh (517K), Jeddah (337K), followed closely by Istanbul (324K passengers).

“DXB’s performance over the past successive quarters is nothing short of impressive and is a direct outcome of Dubai’s clear strategy and efforts to restore international air connectivity and mobility and lead the global aviation industry out of an unprecedented crisis. While the recovery was initially led by point-to-point traffic, which continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels, the opening of international travel across many key markets has enabled transfer traffic to rebound to 60% of 2019 levels,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

The outlook for the year remains strong with annual traffic now projected to reach 58.3m, exceeding initial forecasts by a significant margin, he added.

Some 1.9 million travellers are anticipated to pass through DXB between April 29 to May 9 with average daily traffic exceeding 177,000 passengers. May 7 is expected to be the busiest day with passenger numbers surpassing the 200,000 mark.

As always, Dubai Airports is working with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for all customers. Those travelling during this peak period can make their journey smooth and easy by following a few simple tips.

• Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you are travelling to. We urge passengers to get in touch with their respective airlines and ensure that they have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport.
• Travellers over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
• If you are flying out of Terminal 1, arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure. Use online check in wherever available to save time.
• Those travelling from Terminal 3 can use Emirate's convenient early check-in and self-service check-in facilities.
• The roads to the airport could get busy during peak times. It’s best to plan some extra time to get to and through the airport.
• Family and well-wishers can say their goodbyes at home as entry to the departure zone is restricted to ticketed passengers during busy hours throughout peak periods.
• Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s a full range of facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping and lounges to relax before their flight.

 The number of passengers travelling through DXB is expected to increase between 25-28 March, and again between 7-9 April as schools end for their spring holidays.

 Essa Al Shamsi, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports shared some advice for travellers: "During this busy period there are a number of steps travellers can take to ensure their journey through DXB is smooth and easy. To avoid congestion on the road in and out of the airport, we recommend using the Dubai Metro. There are Metro stations at both Terminals 1 and 3, and operating hours have been extended to cater for the key arrival and departure times during the peak periods."

"For travellers over the age of 12, we recommend they use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process at departure and arrival. For those travelling from Terminal 3 with Emirates, we suggest making use of their convenient early and self-service check-in facilities for a smooth start to their vacation," he added.

Considering that access to the arrivals forecourt in Terminal 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised vehicles only, friends and families are advised to use the airport’s designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests in comfort.

Once at the airport, travellers can enjoy DXB’s a full range of facilities including restaurants, duty free shopping and lounges to relax before their flight.

Dubai International (DXB) continues to be the world’s busiest airport by international passenger numbers for the eighth consecutive year after clocking 29.1 million in annual traffic in 2021.  DXB’s annual traffic exceeded forecasts for the year by more than half a million passengers, on the back of a strong last quarter.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, described an eventful year which, despite the uncertainties of the global pandemic, contained many milestones that demonstrate several bold steps taken by Dubai and its aviation sector to lead the recovery of global air travel, including  the successful hosting of the Dubai Airshow 2021, the world’s first major airshow since the start of the pandemic, the return of DXB to 100% operational capacity with the reopening of Terminal 1-Concourse D and Concourse A, and the opening of the world’s largest in-house airport laboratory for fast-track processing Covid-19 PCR test samples for Dubai’s visitors. The airport also welcomed a record number of new airlines connecting Dubai to new destinations and joined the rest of the city in creating a warm welcome for millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai.

Describing DXB’s performance in 2021 as nothing short of impressive, Griffiths said, “Despite unprecedented turmoil affecting millions of people all over the world, we overcame many serious obstacles to the operation of the world’s largest international hub and provided smooth, comfortable and safe travel for millions of people travelling through DXB. This incredible performance by all of our staff and stakeholders was achieved in the face of abruptly changing travel regulations and concerns about new waves of infection. Despite these serious challenges to our ongoing success, we managed to exceed our own forecasts and continue to retain our crown as the world’s busiest international airport.

With the eagerly anticipated reopening of key markets such as Australasia and the further easing of travel regulations around the world, the outlook for 2022 is very promising and we are in an excellent position to continue to  lead the world’s air travel sector on the road to recovery.”

Current forecasts indicate that traffic through DXB could reach 55.1m by the end of 2022, but Griffiths acknowledges that if current trends continue, that figure could be exceeded by a significant margin.

Key figures
DXB welcomed 29,110,609 passengers for the full year of 2021, a year-on year-growth of 12.7%. The numbers were propelled by a robust growth in the final three months of the year during which DXB recorded 11,794,046 passengers, 77% more than in the previous quarter. It was the busiest quarter since Q1 2020, and the first time since the start of the pandemic that DXB’s quarterly traffic surpassed the 10 million mark. December was the busiest month of the year with 4.5 million passengers.

Top destinations
India retained its position as the top destination country for DXB by passenger volume, with passenger traffic for 2021 totalling 4.2m, followed by Pakistan with 1.8m, Saudi Arabia with 1.5m, and the United Kingdom with 1.2m passengers. Other destination countries of note include the US (1.1m passengers), Egypt (1m) and the Turkey (945,000 passengers).

DXB’s top destination cities during 2021 were Istanbul with 916,000 passengers, Cairo (905,000), London (814,000) and New Delhi (791,000 passengers).

DXB is currently connected to 198 destinations across 93 countries through 84 international carriers – significantly more than in 2019 before the pandemic.

Flights
The number of flight movements at DXB reached 77,671 during the fourth quarter bringing the annual flight movements to 233,375, a year-on-year growth of 28.1%. The average number of passengers per flight reached 154, down 18.9% year-on-year.

Cargo
Cargo continued its strong performance throughout the year finishing with 614,834 tonnes of cargo in the fourth quarter (7.5%) taking the annual freight volume in 2021 up by 20% to 2,319,185 tonnes.

As part of its measures to minimise crowding at the airport and ensure the health and well-being of its passengers and frontline employees, Dubai Airports has announced that only ticketed passengers will be allowed entry to the terminals at Dubai International (DXB) during the ongoing peak travel period.

An estimated 2 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB between December 29, 2021 and January 8, 2022 with average daily traffic exceeding 178,000 travellers. January 2 will be the busiest day of the holiday season with more than 198,000 passengers expected.

Essa Al Shamsi, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports said, “We always advise friends and families of travellers to say their goodbyes at home instead of coming to the airport. This is even more important now given the situation with the pandemic and the high volume of passengers using the airport during the peak holiday season. If a friend or family member is flying out of Dubai during the next 10 days, people can help us in a big way in minimising congestion in and around the airport and making travel safer and easier for everyone by simply not coming to the airport to see them off.”

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports has shared the following important tips for customers travelling during the holiday season to ensure a smooth start to their journey.

• Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you are travelling to. Get in touch with your respective airlines and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport.
• Plan some extra time to get to and through the airport as the roads to DXB could get busy during peak times.
• Arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure if you are flying out of Terminals 1 or 2. Check-in online and use self-service options wherever available to start your journey in comfort.