Dubai International Airport (DXB) saw a record 44.9 million travelers in the first half of this year, setting it on track to surpass its all-time record as international aviation rebounds post-pandemic.
The announcement follows a record-breaking annual profit for Emirates, the long-haul carrier based at DXB. Dubai is also planning to shift operations to the new $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport over the next decade.
A real-estate boom and record tourism numbers have transformed Dubai into a destination rather than just a layover spot. “Our record-breaking performance underscores our global importance,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “Dubai attracts talent, businesses, and tourists worldwide, and we are proud to be the gateway.”
DXB’s busiest year was 2018, with 89.1 million passengers. In 2022, the airport handled 66 million passengers, and in 2023, it saw 86.9 million. Griffiths is optimistic about surpassing 91.8 million passengers in 2024.
DXB’s performance reflects Dubai’s quick recovery from the pandemic, driven by a strong push in tourism. The airport, once briefly shut down, is now bustling. In April, Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced plans to move DXB’s operations to Al Maktoum International Airport. This new facility will feature a terminal designed like Bedouin tents, five runways, and 400 aircraft gates.
Al Maktoum International Airport, located 45 kilometers from DXB, opened in 2010 and served as a parking area for Emirates’ aircraft during the pandemic. It has since resumed cargo and private flights and hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show. The airport has ample space for expansion.
Dubai’s main airport is set to handle a record number of passengers this year, with an 8% year-on-year increase in the first six months, driven by strong demand from markets like India and the resurgence of travel from China. Traffic from China increased by 80% year-on-year, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels.
Dubai is a major tourism and trade hub, attracting 17.15 million international visitors in 2023. Many foreigners are drawn to Dubai’s infrastructure, tax policies, and immigration approach.
In April, Sheikh Mohammed approved a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, aiming to make it the largest in the world with a capacity of up to 260 million passengers. All operations at DXB will eventually transfer to Al Maktoum.
Currently, DXB connects to 269 destinations across 106 countries, with India, Saudi Arabia, Britain, and Pakistan being the top markets.
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