Dubai International Airport welcomed a record-breaking 46 million passengers in the first six months of 2025, according to a statement released Tuesday by Dubai Airports.
This marks the busiest first half in the airport’s history, reflecting a 2.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024, despite air travel disruptions caused by the Iran-Israel war in May and June.
The conflict led to the closure of some regional airspace, prompting airlines to cancel flights to several Middle Eastern destinations. However, Dubai International still averaged 7.7 million passengers per month, or roughly 254,000 travelers daily.
“Based on our current performance and a strong outlook, we anticipate reaching 96 million passengers by the end of the year, moving us closer to the symbolic 100 million mark,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
In 2024, the airport recorded an all-time high of 92.3 million passengers annually. January 2025 was the busiest month on record, with 8.5 million travelers.
The statement noted that travel volumes are expected to rise further in the second half of the year. India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom remained the top markets for passenger traffic to and from Dubai.
Strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Dubai has maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the past ten years.
Dubai plans a $35 billion expansion and relocation of its main airport to Al Maktoum International by 2032. The new facility, located on the city’s outskirts, will be developed in phases and is set to become the largest airport globally, with a projected capacity of 240 million passengers annually.
