Dubai International welcomes 68.6m passengers from Jan-Sept ’24

Image: Dubai Airports

Dubai International (DXB) is poised for a record-breaking year, following a robust performance in the first nine months of the year.

With 68.6 million guests passing through the airport by the end of September, DXB is on track to surpass its previous traffic records, with expectations to reach 91.9 million passengers by year-end. This achievement sets the stage for a strong finish to the year, particularly with the high-traffic winter season on the horizon.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, praised the collective efforts of the airport’s team and its partners for driving the airport’s success.

He said, “This year has highlighted the very best of DXB, showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence. At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and operational performance.

“We’re committed to further investing in customer service and technology to ensure that DXB continues to deliver an exceptional experience for all our passengers.”

DXB: Key trends in 2024

One of the most notable trends in 2024 has been a shift towards more direct traffic, with DXB seeing more guests arriving on non-transfer flights than ever before.

This shift reflects Dubai’s growing appeal not only as a prime tourist destination but also as a top location for business and residential life.

Strong performance in Q3

The momentum built in the first half of the year continued through Q3, with DXB handling 23.7 million guests, contributing to a 6.3 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023.

The airport managed over 111,300 flights in Q3 alone, pushing the total number of flight movements for the first nine months to 327,700, an increase of 6.4 per cent year-on-year.

Advanced systems like biometric screening and real-time tracking have enabled the airport to provide a smooth and elevated journey for passengers, reinforcing its position as a global leader in aviation.

Top markets and destinations

India maintained its position as the top destination market, with 8.9 million guests in the first nine months, followed by Saudi Arabia with 5.6 million — a 15.2 per cent year-on-year increase.

Other leading markets included the UK (4.6 million), Pakistan (3.4 million), the US (2.6 million), and Germany (2 million).

London remained the most popular city destination, welcoming 2.9 million guests, while Riyadh saw the strongest growth, with a 25.8 per cent increase, bringing 2.3 million passengers.

Other key city destinations included Mumbai, Jeddah, New Delhi and Istanbul.

Direct traffic to Dubai and winter growth

Looking ahead to Q4, DXB is forecast to welcome 23.2 million guests. This period typically sees a surge in direct traffic, as expatriates travel home for the festive season and visitors flock to Dubai to enjoy its world-renowned winter attractions.

Approximately 60 per cent of Q4 traffic is expected to be direct, compared to 50 per cent in Q3 and 55 per cent for the full year.

Dubai’s packed calendar of events — ranging from the DP World Tour Championship to festive markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations — will continue to drive international visitors.

Additionally, the cruise season is in full swing, with many passengers passing through DXB as part of the city’s integrated air and sea infrastructure.

Outlook for 2025

DXB has been named the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, according to Airports Council International (ACI). This recognition, coupled with the airport’s performance in 2024, positions DXB for continued success in the years to come.

With 2024’s traffic set to reach an all-time high, DXB’s ongoing commitment to excellence, investment in new technologies, and focus on customer service ensure that it will maintain its leadership in global aviation.

Read: Dubai’s DXB airport sees record year for passengers after 8% rise in H1