Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 68.6m guests in the year up to the end of September and is on track for record-breaking annual traffic.
The figures represent growth of 6.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
The momentum from the first half of 2024 carried into Q3, during which DXB managed 23.7m guests.
Dubai International Airport passenger statistics
More than 111,300 flights were handled in Q3, propelling the total flight movements (all operations) for the first nine months to 327,700, up 6.4 per cent year-on-year.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “This year has highlighted the very best of DXB, showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, qualities that have become synonymous with the airport.
“At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and robust operational performance, keeping us at the top for over a decade.
“DXB continues to be our core focus, with ongoing investment in customer service and technological advancements to ensure our success in delivering a superior hospitality experience.
“What’s particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic than ever before — a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated. This reflects Dubai’s evolution into not just a premier tourist destination, but also a globally attractive place to live, work, and do business, further underscored by the city’s booming real estate market and its rising appeal as a destination for top talent.
“We’re focused on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience in the final quarter, buoyed by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and renowned attractions.”
DXB’s ability to handle such high volumes seamlessly reflects the dedication of its team and partners to providing an efficient and world-class guest experience.
By leveraging advanced technologies, such as biometrics and real-time tracking systems, guests continue to enjoy a seamless and elevated journey.
India continued to lead as the top destination market, with 8.9m guests over the nine months. Saudi Arabia followed with 5.6m guests, marking a 15.2 per cent increase, while the UK accounted for 4.6m guests, a 4.7 per cent growth year on year.
Pakistan and the USA contributed 3.4m and 2.6m guests, respectively, and Germany recorded 2.0m.
London remained the top city destination with 2.9m guests, followed by Riyadh, which saw strong growth at 2.3m guests — a 25.8 per cent increase.
Other key city destinations included Mumbai (1.8m), Jeddah (1.7m), New Delhi (1.6m), and Istanbul (1.3m).
During this period, DXB processed 60.1m bags with an industry-leading accuracy rate of 99.3 per cent.
Approximately 92 per cent of arriving baggage for terminating guests was delivered within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on stand.
DXB expects to welcome 23.2m guests in the final quarter, a period known for high direct traffic, driven by expats travelling home for the festive season and visitors arriving to enjoy the UAE’s packed winter calendar.
Around 60 per cent of Q4 traffic is forecast to be direct, compared to 50 per cent in Q3 and 55 per cent for the full year.
Major global events and attractions, from the DP World Tour Championship, Emirates Dubai 7s, festive markets and famed New Year’s Eve celebrations, to GITEX Global and ADIPEC, in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, draws international guests.
The cruise season is also in full swing, with many passengers set to pass through Dubai’s ports as cruise operators capitalise on the city’s world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity.
This bustling period further underscores Dubai’s appeal as a warm and vibrant winter escape, particularly for travellers from colder and rainier regions seeking sunshine and premium experiences.
Growth is expected from Western Europe, with an increase of 237,000 seats (vs. Q3), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, adding 301,000 seats, supported by home-based carriers and new airlines, including ITA, Condor, Hainan and Druk Air, which introduces a new route to Paro, in western Bhutan, are also new to the network.
Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) also welcomes Transavia and Eurowings.
DXB retained its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, unveiled by the Airports Council International (ACI) earlier this year.
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