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.

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.

Traffic was up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2024, despite a record-breaking Q1 last year. January alone saw the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB - welcoming 8.5 million guests – an achievement made possible not just by infrastructure, but by the coordinated effort of thousands of people behind the scenes.

India retained its position as DXB’s top destination country, with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000). Leisure travel also surged during the quarter, driven by a seasonal peak at the start of the year, Eid holidays and spring break, with double-digit increases in traffic to destinations such as the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%).

Cargo volumes registered a minor contraction of 3.6% year-on-year during the first quarter with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes of cargo. 

While the numbers tell one story, it’s the people behind DXB’s peak performance who continue to make the real difference. Across its terminals, the dedication, quick thinking, and guest-first mindset of the entire oneDXB community – from Dubai Airports’ teams to its government partners, airlines, and commercial operators – plays a critical role across every touchpoint, turning operational excellence into exceptional guest experiences. 

For example, an exceptional guest experience that was delivered by  our DXB Lost and Found team who worked with Dubai Police to recover and return a bag containing AED 102,000 in cash, passports and personal documents within just 30 minutes of it being reported missing, ensuring peace of mind in a moment of crisis for two brothers who were travelling home after receiving news that a family member had passed away. Or immigration officer Abdullah Al Baloushi, who kindly stopped a departing guest in a wheelchair, not for an inspection but to give her son a little more time to bid her farewell. The act was recognised and praised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who personally acknowledged it on social media: “A salute to whoever brings a smile or joy to a traveller’s heart. This is the Dubai we want."

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “Our Q1 performance sets a strong foundation for the year ahead, not only in terms of guest numbers, but in the calibre of the people behind them. Delivering the busiest month in DXB’s history while maintaining exceptional service levels cross baggage, guest flow, and accessibility is no small feat. It requires precision, agility, and an extraordinary team effort.

What makes this possible is the collective effort of our oneDXB community, with each member playing a critical role across every touchpoint. This shared culture of collaboration and consistency is what elevates our performance and ensures we meet the growing expectations of our guests, every single day.”

DXB also recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1, up 1.9% over the same period last year, with an average of 215 guests per flight. Despite the continued growth in guest volumes, DXB sustained high levels of operational efficiency. More than 21 million bags were processed in Q1, with the rate of mishandled baggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 bags per 1,000 guests, translating to a success rate of 99.8%. 

Meanwhile, the use of real-time monitoring systems and biometric passport control helped ensure that more than 95% of guests experienced minimal wait times across key airport touchpoints. Accessibility enhancements, including dedicated services for People of Determination and guests with hidden disabilities, further demonstrate DXB’s commitment to inclusive, guest-centric travel.

That consistency is backed by a strong organisational culture. In Q1, Dubai Airports was recognised with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, a reflection of its long-standing investment in employee wellbeing, engagement, and leadership development. It’s this commitment to people – both employees and guests – that helps show how an exceptional workplace culture drives real results.

In March, DXB was also named the world’s busiest international airport by Airports Council International (ACI) for the 11^th consecutive year. The airport connects travellers to 269 destinations in 106 countries, served by 101 international carriers.

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 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)}

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports said: “This novel airside initiative underscores our commitment to promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding. It’s truly heart-warming to witness employees from varied backgrounds and cultures come together to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and showcase the many ways DXB can create memorable and enjoyable experiences.” 

“By creating this inclusive event, we celebrate the values of empathy, compassion, and unity that resonate across all communities, fostering a stronger sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among our team members.” 

As the iftar approached, teams across Dubai Airports gathered to craft a visually captivating table adorned with traditional Ramadan treats—dates, fruits, sweets, and refreshing beverages. The collaborative effort fostered a shared sense of purpose for the special occasion, enhancing the overall experience.

The iftar unfolded with the setting sun, transforming the elegantly arranged table into a welcoming space to connect, share stories, and forge bonds with colleagues from across the business. 

As DXB continues to lead the way in creating unique and memorable travel experiences, the intimate iftar gathering reflects Dubai Airports’ dedication to nurturing unity and inclusivity, a testament of the company’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for everyone who crosses through the airport’s doors.

“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. 

Dubai International (DXB) topped the Airport Connectivity rankings for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, as announced by the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) on Tuesday.

The Airport Connectivity Report reveals that air connectivity in the Middle East stands out with +26% growth in total connectivity in 2022 vs. 2019, with direct connectivity to destinations in North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa witnessing the strongest recovery since Covid-19, with Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) driving the growth. On the contrary, Asia-Pacific has seen a decline in air connectivity by -38% in the same period.

Welcoming another milestone for DXB, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, “I'm incredibly proud to see DXB at the top of the Airport Connectivity Index for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team and our service partners working across DXB, and it reaffirms our commitment to providing seamless connections for our guests worldwide. We'll continue to elevate the travel experience, and connect people, cultures, and opportunities like never before.”

Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) said, "We congratulate Dubai International for achieving the No.1 position in the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East connectivity ranking. This reaffirms Dubai Airport's commitment to providing top-quality air connectivity, both direct and indirect, connecting people and places across the world. Dubai Airport has consolidated its leading position in this ranking by improving its connectivity post-pandemic, with a growth of 17% over 2019. Dubai Airport's commitment to enhancing connectivity is bolstering the region's economy and global trade." 

Developed in partnership with PwC, the Airport Connectivity Report measures passengers’ ability to access the global air transport network, capturing both direct and indirect routes, while also factoring in the quality of the service of each connection, such as destination choice, service frequency, onward connectivity, price, contributing to the passenger experience. 

DXB is connected to more than 255 destinations across 104 countries and more than 90 international airlines.

“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. 

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).