DXB Passenger Traffic Climbs After Turbulent First Half

Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded 13 million passengers in the second quarter, bringing its first-half traffic to 31.5 million—a 31.3% drop compared with the same period last year, in what Dubai Airports described as “one of the toughest operating stretches in its history.”

Regional airspace restrictions weighed on traffic through the first six months, but visitor numbers climbed steadily across the second quarter, rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June, according to figures released by Dubai Airports.

Aircraft movements totaled 150,600 for the half-year, down 32.1% from 2025, with 62,500 of those occurring in the second quarter alone. Despite the decline, DXB hosted nearly 50 international airlines linking passengers to 217 destinations in 99 countries. Load factors also strengthened, edging back toward last year’s levels as international routes expanded.

Cargo handling followed a similar pattern, with 751,340 metric tons moved in the first half—down 28.7% year over year—including 351,716 metric tons in the second quarter.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the period had tested “every part of the aviation system” but showcased the airport’s resilience, noting that demand was responding quickly as capacity returned. He pointed to international transfers as a key growth area going forward.

Dubai Airports said it is continuing to invest in upgrades, including biometric systems, self-service options and a new remote departures facility as it anticipates stronger momentum in the second half of the year.