Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been ranked as the busiest airport among all GCC countries and fifth globally, according to the Airports Council International. The rankings consider total passengers, including those who are enplaned, deplaned, and in transit.
Dubai has maintained the top spot on the international passengers chart for nine years in a row. In 2022, global passenger traffic increased by 53.5 percent compared to the previous year, reaching nearly seven billion. The top 10 airports in the world handle more than 10 percent of the total global passenger traffic. Among these, five airports are located in the United States. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) experienced the biggest increase among the top 10 airports.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the Director General of ACI World, stated that the latest list of the top 10 busiest airports for passenger traffic reflects the resilience of the airport and aviation industry, as well as the enthusiasm of passengers to fly. Although US airport hubs rebounded more quickly due to their strong domestic market, global hubs such as Dubai, Istanbul, and London Heathrow Airport are now joining the top ranks. Despite facing multiple challenges that could impact the speed and magnitude of global air traffic recovery, the new rankings represent a significant milestone in reaching pre-pandemic levels. With China, the world’s second-largest aviation market after the US, reopening, both domestic and international travel is expected to benefit.
“The ongoing recovery of air travel demand would not be possible without the continuous work of airports to provide a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable air transport ecosystem for the passengers that we depend on and the communities we serve. ACI World will remain committed to representing the best interests of airports on the global stage during key phases of policy development and to promoting airport excellence,” said Luis Felipe de Oliveira.
Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports, stated that the recognition of Dubai International Airport as the busiest airport among all GCC countries and fifth globally was expected because of the airport’s excellent performance throughout 2022 and the significant increase in traffic during the final quarter. According to Griffiths, the rise in demand for air travel was widespread in 2022, but DXB stood out due to the commitment of its employees and the careful planning and preparation by each service partner that comprises Dubai’s remarkable airport community, as stated in a statement.
