Dubai Airports has entered the winter travel season with one of its strongest networks in history, as Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) welcome new airlines and expanded connectivity to meet rising seasonal travel demand.

Direct traffic remains a defining feature of DXB’s winter season, now accounting for 55% of passenger demand. This uplift is part of a regular annual cycle influenced by the cooler climate, a packed calendar of international business, sports and entertainment events, residents travelling abroad for holidays or family gatherings, and the continuous flow of people choosing to live in Dubai for the long or medium term.

Europe and Central Asia are driving considerable uplift this winter. FlyArystan joined the network on 29 November with twice-weekly flights from the Kazakh city of Aktau, while Austrian Airlines returned on 2 December with five weekly services from Vienna. Capacity from European carriers is also rising. Virgin Atlantic has deployed the A350-1000 on its Dubai route, lifting seat capacity by 52%, and British Airways has restored A380 services from London Heathrow. Together, these moves signal robust confidence from European markets heading into the festive season.

Seasonal demand from South Asia and the wider Middle East is also deepening DXB’s connectivity. Varesh Airline introduced twice-weekly flights from Sari in Iran on 30 October, and Fly Jinnah added twice-weekly services from Lahore on 2 November, reinforcing strong point-to-point traffic from regional hubs where winter travel to and from Dubai typically intensifies.

One of the sharpest rises this season is coming from Saudi Arabia. which is already DXB’s second-largest country market at 7.8% of total passengers as of October year-to-date. Combined traffic from Saudi Arabia reached 6.3 million across DXB and DWC, up 1.3% year-on-year, with DWC recording a standout increase of 459% to 173,000 passengers.

DWC’s role in Dubai’s wider aviation landscape is becoming more visible with many airlines now taking advantage of its readily available capacity and using it to complement existing DXB services. The airport welcomed 1.1 million guests in the first 10 months of the year, a 36.6% increase supported by demand from CIS, GCC and Western European markets. Its cargo and aircraft movement figures also continue to grow, reinforcing DWC’s strategic momentum.

Eurowings is contributing significantly to this growth with a new daily DXB service from Stuttgart, a three times a week Düsseldorf service at DWC and increased frequencies to Berlin, Cologne and Hannover, including its Premium Bizclass on the Berlin route.

Robert Whitehouse, Vice President of Research at Dubai Airports, said “Winter is always a pivotal period for Dubai’s aviation sector, and the breadth of this season’s network shows how strongly demand continues to evolve. The growth in direct traffic across both of our airports reflects a balanced mix of inbound visitors, outbound travel from residents and the many people choosing to make Dubai their home. It is a reminder that our connectivity is not only expanding but becoming more diverse and resilient.”

This winter’s schedule enhancements reflect the confidence of airline partners in Dubai’s strong and diverse travel demand. They also underline the city’s appeal not only to visitors and business travellers, but to the many people who choose Dubai as their home, contributing to sustained growth in direct traffic and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.

DXB has confirmed full operational readiness across its three terminals, deploying specialised People of Determination (PoD) teams and aligning efforts across the airport community to ensure a seamless arrival experience for every delegation.

Preparations included pre-event awareness sessions for frontline employees on best-practice PoD interaction, the activation of a joint task force to oversee and manage delegation arrivals, and the installation of welcome points and reception desks for athletes. Logistical support for the official transport has been arranged throughout the arrival period.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said “Accessibility shapes how we design and deliver every part of the airport journey. From trained teams and hearing loops to dedicated assistance counters and quiet spaces, DXB ensures that every guest, regardless of their needs, can move through the airport with comfort and confidence. For these young athletes, their first moments in Dubai begin at DXB, and we want that experience to be seamless, respectful and as stress-free as possible.”

A group of Dubai Airports employees is volunteering to support the athletes at the Games, a reflection of the organisation’s commitment to championing inclusion for People of Determination across the UAE.

This year’s event marks the largest participation in the Games, with the 2025 edition set to host 11 sports across eight world-class venues from 10 – 13 December, further cementing Dubai’s status as a global hub for Para sport excellence. This is the second time Dubai hosts the Games, following the successful 2017 edition.

For more information about Dubai Airports’ accessibility services, visit:
https://dubaiairports.ae/hidden-disabilities

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline Group, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, the celebratory event brought the spirit of the Freej to life at DXB, Terminal 3. The celebration invited Dubai Airports employees, the oneDXB community, and guests, to step back in time and experience how Emirati families once lived, socialised, and celebrated together in the alleyways and communal spaces that defined the nation’s shared heritage. Visitors arriving at DXB, Terminal 3, also enjoyed traditional performances such as Al-Ayala, Al-Liwa, and Al-Habban on stage along with entering exclusive giveaways.

Guided by the enduring legacy of the UAE’s Founding Fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the event paid tribute to their vision of unity, compassion, and progress - values that continue to shape the spirit of the nation and the oneDXB community today.

From the winding sikkas to the vibrant corners of the Freej, employees were immersed in authentic cultural experiences, traditional performances, and the sights, sounds, and flavours of Emirati life. Photographic displays, heritage stalls, and local food captured the essence of the UAE’s past, transporting visitors to a time when friendship, generosity, and togetherness defined community life.

His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Eid Al Etihad is a celebration of unity and shared pride, values that are deeply embedded in the Emirati way of life. Through the revival of the Freej, Dubai Airports honours the legacy of our Founding Fathers and reflects the spirit of community that continues to drive the UAE’s journey of connection and progress.”

Throughout the event, attendees discovered an authentic Freej experience brought to life through a series of interactive cultural zones. A traditional market showcased Emirati craftsmanship and local products, while Dubai Duty Free (DDF) recreated the charm of its early days at DXB with a display of vintage merchandise once sold at the time. The Police Station zone highlighted the historic role of national service entities in safeguarding the community, while Customs and Immigration displays illustrated their vital roles at the airport during that era. The Bridal Room inside the Emirati house featured a special performance presented in collaboration with Dubai Culture, showcasing the traditional bridal experience. In partnership with DCAS, a heritage-inspired hospital illustrated early healthcare practices, while a Henna Corner celebrated the artistry and beauty traditions that continue to connect generations.

The strong third-quarter performance lifted total traffic for the first nine months to 70.1 million guests, representing a 2.1% increase over the same period last year. The airport’s twelve-month rolling traffic at the end of September reached a record 93.8 million guests. Aircraft movements also remained robust, with 115,000 total flights recorded in the third quarter. Between January and September, DXB handled 336,000 flights across all categories, up 2.7% year on year. The average number of passengers per aircraft at the end of September stood at 213.

While DXB continues to deliver exceptional operational performance, Dubai Airports’ focus is firmly on continuing to maintain the superb performance whilst getting ready for its next leap forward. Future priority projects to enhance areas across all terminals are underway and include CB Central – a unique space within Terminal 3 that showcases Dubai’s biggest and best brands and experiences. CB East – a dynamic family-friendly space with mainstream eateries and entertainment areas for all ages. CB West – the new centre of DXB providing premium shopping and casual dining experiences for passengers. And within T1, CD Central – the space located in the middle of Concourse D, with panoramic views of the airfield, refreshed dwell areas, innovative passenger information and easy access to major retail stores.

As Dubai Airports continues to manage growth at DXB, Dubai Airports is also looking to the future with the preparation of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), marking the beginning of Dubai’s new aviation era. Set to take over as the city’s main international gateway in the early 2030s, DWC is being purpose-built as a future-ready, smart global aviation hub that will elevate efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability to new standards.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “These record-breaking results reflect the continued strength of Dubai’s aviation and tourism sectors, and to the collective efforts of our oneDXB airport community. Yet, it also reinforces the importance of what comes next. The vision for DWC goes beyond capacity expansion – it represents the reimaging and evolution of the entire travel experience. Our goal is not just to grow, but to grow intelligently by combining technology, sustainability, and a superior guest experience, which will shape the future of global travel.”.

As Dubai Airports continues to optimise operations together with the oneDXB community and advance long-term planning for DWC, the airport remains focused on delivering its exceptional guest experience at DXB, operational excellence, digital innovation, and human-centred hospitality, ensuring that every journey through Dubai’s airports reflects the ambition and forward-thinking spirit of the city itself.

India retained DXB’s top country market in the first nine months of the year with 8.8 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (5.5 million), the United Kingdom (4.6 million), Pakistan (3.2 million), and the United States (2.4 million). Among city destinations, London lead with 2.8 million guests, followed by Riyadh (2.3 million), Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), and New Delhi (1.6 million).

DXB also continued to serve as a key gateway for international tourism, with Malaysia (687,000 guests), Vietnam (493,000), the Czech Republic (341,000), Uzbekistan (312,000), and Denmark (239,000) ranking among the most popular destinations for outbound leisure travel.

DXB maintained strong performance across all service areas, handling 63.8 million bags in the first nine months of the year, up 6.2% year-on-year and a record high for the period. Of these, 90% of bags reached guests within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on the stand. Mishandled baggage accuracy remained high at 99.9%, equating to only two mishandled bags per 1,000 guests.

During the third quarter, 99.6% of departing guests cleared passport control in under 10 minutes, and 99.8% of arriving guests waited less than 15 minutes. Security screening times stayed below 5 minutes for 99.7% of travellers, reflecting DXB’s focus on efficiency and a seamless guest journey even at peak volumes.

The airport’s record performance underscores Dubai’s position as a global economic hub, where aviation continues to play a central role in driving tourism, trade, and investment.

Returning for its second year, the DXB Runway Ride expanded its scale to five rhythm-cycling sessions for the cycling community, Dubai Airports’ employees and the oneDXB airport community. Set against the backdrop of departing aircraft and the pulse of silent-disco beats, riders powered through CRANK’s signature high-energy workout, creating an unforgettable experience combining movement, music, and flight, an experience that could only come to life at DXB.

Michelle Lee, Vice President Brand and Communications at Dubai Airports, said: “The CRANK Runway Ride reflects our continued commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambition to build healthier and more active communities. It also reflects our commitment to delivering unique DXB experiences that successfully connect people, creating memorable moments and contributing to the city’s culture of health and vitality.”

By turning its runway into a platform for movement and connection, DXB continues to champion Dubai’s wellness agenda, positioning the airport as a destination that brings people together, inspires healthier communities, and delivers memorable experiences. The DXB Runway Ride is part of Dubai Airports’ year-round efforts to promote wellbeing across the airport community and support city-wide fitness initiatives.

The loops have been integrated at key locations including check-in counters, immigration desks, boarding gates, and information desks across all three of DXB’s terminals. The system operates by allowing users to connect automatically by activating the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting on their device, with no pairing or additional equipment required.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said: “At Dubai Airports, we are committed to ensuring that every guest, regardless of ability, can navigate our terminals with ease, dignity, and confidence. The successful installation of over 520 Hearing Loops across DXB is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our oneDXB airport community, including all our strategic partners and airlines, whose unified effort is making our shared vision of a more seamless and accessible travel experience a reality for all."

The rollout was delivered in close collaboration with Dubai Airports’ partners from the oneDXB community, including Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi Company, and Dubai Duty Free.

Aligned with Dubai’s Universal Design Code, which mandates inclusive access to public spaces and transport infrastructure, the installation was completed with minimal disruption to airport operations. To ensure a seamless experience, frontline employees also received dedicated training to support guests of determination.

With more than 1.5 billion people worldwide living with some degree of hearing loss, and that number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050 according to the World Health Organisation, accessible communication systems are becoming essential in global transport hubs.

The Hearing Loops rollout is part of Dubai Airports’ long-term accessibility strategy aimed at improving access across DXB through both infrastructure enhancements and employee training. The strategy focuses on practical, guest-centred solutions that support a wide range of needs, ensuring every guest feels welcome and understood at every stage of their airport journey, from kerb to gate.

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Haji N Jamaluddin first arrived in Dubai from Mumbai by ship on 26 February 1965. He still remembers the moment clearly. There was no port at the time, and the city was just beginning to take shape. Six decades later, his son wanted to mark the occasion by giving his father a new Dubai entry stamp, symbolising not just a physical arrival, but a lifetime of dedication to a place that became home.

With support from the team at Dubai Airports, that thoughtful idea was turned into action. "This new entry stamp isn’t just a mark in a passport – it’s a tribute to everything Dubai has given us," said Jamaluddin. "My son wanted to honour the years I’ve spent here and with the help of the Dubai Airports team, he made that possible."

A respected educator, chairman and founder of Crescent English High School, Jamaluddin has shaped thousands of lives since opening the school in 1984. With more than 1,700 students enrolled today, it remains one of the most affordable private schools in the UAE. His philosophy is simple: “Money is not everything. Education is the best weapon for enlightenment.”

A proud contributor to Dubai’s social fabric, Jamaluddin credits much of his passion to the leadership of the UAE, especially the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whom he saw regularly visiting worksites in the early morning hours. “He was always among the people and now His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is continuing that legacy. It’s what makes Dubai what it is today.”

Students from Crescent English High School were also invited to Dubai International (DXB) for an educational tour. The visit offered them a unique behind-the-scenes look at DXB’s operations and the opportunity to learn about the vital role the airport plays in connecting communities across the world.

The evening, organised by the Dubai Airports Women’s Network (DAWN), welcomed guest experience ambassadors, the service and hospitality performance management team, and others from across the operation, creating a space for connection, gratitude and shared reflection. 

More than just a meal, the Iftar offered a meaningful pause during the holy month of Ramadan — a chance to appreciate the everyday contributions of colleagues who bring warmth, care and excellence to every journey through DXB. It also highlighted Dubai Airports’ continued focus on building a workplace where respect, belonging, togetherness and a strong sense of community are part of the culture.

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.