Dubai International (DXB) records busiest H1 ever with 46 million passengers

Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025, its busiest H1 on record, showing 2.3% year-on-year growth despite regional airspace disruptions in May and June. The performance reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub.

Key Highlights

• Q2 2025: 22.5 million guests (+3.1% YoY)
• April 2025: Busiest April ever, with 8 million passengers
• January 2025: New monthly record at 8.5 million
• Average daily traffic: 254,000 passengers
• Annual forecast: 96 million passengers, nearing the 100 million milestone

Operational Efficiency

• 222,000 flights in H1 with a 76% load factor
• 41.8 million bags processed (91% delivered in under 45 mins)
• Mishandled baggage rate: Only 2 per 1,000 (vs 6.3 global avg)
• Security/passport control times:
  • 99.2% cleared departure immigration in under 10 mins
  • 98.7% cleared security in under 5 mins

Top Country Markets (H1):

1. India – 5.9 million
2. Saudi Arabia – 3.6 million
3. UK – 3.0 million
4. Pakistan – 2.1 million
5. USA – 1.6 million

Top City Destinations

1. London – 1.8 million
2. Riyadh – 1.5 million
3. Mumbai – 1.2 million
4. Jeddah & New Delhi – 1.1 million each
5. Istanbul – 982,000

Cargo

• Over 1 million tonnes, marginally up 0.1% YoY
• DXB continues to play a major role in global logistics

Connectivity

• Serves 269 destinations in 107+ countries via 92 airlines

Outlook

With the late-summer travel peak and Dubai Airshow 2025 approaching, DXB expects momentum to build in H2, supporting its goal of reaching 96 million passengers by year-end.