Image: Dubai Airports
Dubai International (DXB) recorded its busiest first half on record, welcoming 46 million guests in the first six months of 2025, marking a 2.3 per cent year-on-year increase.
This growth was achieved despite temporary regional airspace disruptions in May and June, underscoring DXB’s operational agility and its vital role in global connectivity.
In Q2 alone, DXB served 22.5 million passengers, up 3.1 per cent from the same period last year.
April was the busiest month of the quarter and the most active April on record, with 8 million guests.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, stated, “DXB’s continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations, and the commitment of our airport community.”
He added that the airport expects annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, nearing the symbolic 100 million milestone.
Average monthly traffic in H1 stood at approximately 7.7 million, with daily volumes averaging 254,000. January was the busiest month of the period, setting a new monthly record with 8.5 million guests.
DXB H1 highlights
DXB handled 222,000 total flights in the first half of the year, achieving a load factor of 76 per cent. A total of 41.8 million bags were processed, with 91 per cent delivered within 45 minutes on arrival.
The mishandled baggage rate remained low at 2 bags per 1,000 guests, significantly outperforming the 2024 industry average of 6.3 reported by SITA. The airport is projected to process over 85 million bags by year-end.
Efficiency at key guest touchpoints remained high, with 99.2 per cent of guests clearing departure passport control in under 10 minutes, 98.4 per cent clearing arrivals in under 15 minutes, and 98.7 per cent passing through security checks in under five minutes.
India remained DXB largest country market
India remained DXB’s largest country market in H1 with 5.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (3.6 million), the UK (3 million), Pakistan (2.1 million), and the US (1.6 million).
London was the busiest city destination with 1.8 million passengers, followed by Riyadh (1.5 million), Mumbai (1.2 million), Jeddah and New Delhi (1.1 million each), and Istanbul (982,000).
DXB processed just over one million tonnes of cargo in H1 2025, a marginal increase of 0.1 per cent year-on-year. The airport is connected to over 269 destinations in more than 107 countries, served by over 92 international carriers.
With the second half underway, DXB anticipates intensified travel activity, including the late-summer peak and a winter season with high-profile events such as the Dubai Airshow 2025.
