Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on pace to achieve a historic milestone, forecasting 91.9 million passengers for 2024. Having already served 68.6 million travelers so far this year, the airport is preparing for a surge of 23.2 million fliers in the final quarter, driven largely by expats traveling home for the festive season and a packed winter events schedule, including the DP World Tour Championship and New Year’s celebrations.
DXB’s current annual record stands at 89.1 million passengers, set in 2018. This growth reflects a significant shift in the airport’s traffic composition, with more direct travelers choosing Dubai as their destination rather than just a transfer hub. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted this trend, stating, “What’s particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic — a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated.” This evolution underscores Dubai’s prominence not just as a tourist magnet but as a hub for living and business, boosted by its thriving real estate market.
Q3-2024 witnessed strong numbers with 23.7 million passengers passing through DXB, marking a 6.3% increase compared to 2023. Flight operations mirrored this growth, totaling over 327,700 for the year, a 6.4% rise. London remains the top destination with 2.9 million travelers, followed by Riyadh’s 2.3 million. Increases are also seen from regions such as Western Europe and the CIS, while new carriers like ITA and Condor strengthen connectivity.
The airport’s expansion continues to benefit from Dubai’s vibrant calendar and world-class infrastructure, ensuring an exceptional experience for millions of passengers.
