Dubai’s aviation hub defies challenges, achieving record passenger growth in early 2025
Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025.
This is despite geopolitical tensions that caused airspace closures and disrupted regional aviation operations.
This marks a 2.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the airport’s resilience as the world’s busiest international hub.
Passenger traffic in the second quarter grew 3.1 per cent year-on-year to 22.5 million, with January and April setting new monthly records of 8.5 million and 8 million passengers respectively.
Daily passenger flow averaged 254,000 during the period.
The regional aviation sector faced disruption in June due to conflict between Israel and Iran, forcing cancellations and airspace restrictions.
Yet, DXB managed to maintain strong connectivity, supporting Dubai’s economy as a major trade, tourism, and business center.
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A recent Oxford Economics study highlights aviation as a key pillar of Dubai’s economy, expected to contribute AED 196 billion ($53.36 billion) and support 816,000 jobs by 2030, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all employment.
DXB is on track to surpass earlier forecasts, now aiming to handle 96 million passengers in 2025 and reach 100 million by the end of 2026, propelled by a busy travel season and events like the Dubai Airshow.
India remains DXB’s largest market, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, Pakistan, and the US. London is the top international destination, followed by Riyadh, Mumbai, Jeddah, New Delhi, and Istanbul.
Cargo volumes also saw slight growth, with over one million tonnes handled in the first six months, maintaining the airport’s vital role in regional logistics.
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