Key numbers at Dubai International Airport (DXB), such as passenger traffic, baggages handled and the number of flights, have all gone beyond pre-pandemic levels of the first six months of 2019.
One of the world’s busiest international hubs, Dubai International Airport welcomed 41.6 million guests in the first half of 2023, just over 100 percent compared to the traffic recorded during H1 2019. Compared to H1 2022 (27.9 million), passenger traffic was up 49.1 percent.
May was the busiest month during the second quarter with 6.9 million guests, but passenger traffic at DXB surged throughout the quarter and was up 42.7 percent year-on-year to reach 20.3 million.
Baggage performance continued to be outstanding for DXB, and in H1 2023, baggage volume increased by 7 percent compared to pre-pandemic H1 2019 levels. In 2023 so far, Dubai International Airport handled approximately 37.2 million bags with 92 percent of all baggage delivered within 45 minutes to customers.
A total of 201,800 flights were handled by Dubai International Airport in the first half, up 30.2 percent year-on-year, and up 13 percent compared to H1 2019. The average number of guests per flight during the first half reached 214 while the load factor was 77 percent.
Cargo volumes surged 16.1 percent year-on-year at DXB to reach 453,500 tonnes, bringing the total freight volume for the first half of the year to 853,500 tonnes. The number was down 6.2 percent compared to last year.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “It’s been a rewarding first half for Dubai International and amidst increasing guest numbers, we take great pride in knowing we are continuously delivering with operational excellence and providing an exemplary guest experience.
“As we recover with our H1 traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile.”
Outlook for second half
Griffiths was optimistic about the levels of demand and expects more record-breaking numbers during the winter season.
“We started the second half with strong demand in July, and with the ongoing seasonal peak coinciding with the reopening of schools in August, we’re preparing for an exceptionally busy rest of the year. We’ve readjusted our forecast for the year from 83.6 million guests to 85 million, just 1.6 percent shy of DXB’s annual traffic in 2019,” said Griffiths.
India leads: Dubai’s top traffic source
India continues to lead as a top destination country in terms of traffic with 6 million guests in the first half, followed by Saudi Arabia (3.1 million) and the United Kingdom (2.8 million). Other leading destinations included Pakistan (2 million), the United States (1.8 million and Russia (1.3 million).
London topped the list of city destinations with 1.7 million guests in H1 2023, followed by Mumbai (1.2 million) and Riyadh a close third.
The airport is connected to 257 destinations across 104 countries, through more than 91 international airlines.
Dubai International Airport received numerous accolades during the period, including a certification from Airports Council International for its ongoing efforts to prioritise a safe and inclusive airport experience for guests with both physical and hidden disabilities.
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