Paul Griffiths

Every year, Dubai Airports faces its challenges and triumphs, but 2024 will be remembered for both its defining moments and the collective spirit that turned them into opportunities. It was a year where the strength of our oneDXB community truly came to the fore, delivering remarkable results across guest experience, operational excellence, and innovation.

The historic storm in April was a standout moment and it tested our resilience like never before. Facing unprecedented weather disruptions, the combined efforts of our teams and partners ensured that we restored full operations with unparalleled speed and precision. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to maintaining Dubai International’s (DXB) reputation as the world’s busiest and best-connected international airport. Growth has been another hallmark of the year. After retaining its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, DXB is set to break another record with nearly 92 million guests anticipated for the full year — our highest-ever annual traffic in our 64-year history.  Of particular interest is the continued surge in visitors to and from Dubai, a reversal of pre-pandemic trends, as Dubai solidifies its position as a global destination for tourism, business, and as a place to live and work.

Operational excellence underpinned this growth, from reduced wait times at passport control and security to maintaining world-class baggage handling with just over two mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers — far outperforming the global average of over seven. These achievements reflect the dedication of our teams and the innovative technologies we continue to deploy. Above all, the oneDXB community spirit remains the cornerstone of everything we achieve. It’s the shared vision, collaboration, and determination of our teams and partners that make DXB what it is today — a place where every touchpoint is an opportunity to redefine the travel experience. As we move into 2025, our focus will be on building on these successes while embracing the trends reshaping the aviation industry.

Central to our vision is the airport of the future — one that delivers unprecedented efficiency, seamlessness, and guest satisfaction. Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a transformative role in this journey. Imagine an experience where a guest’s earpiece provides real-time guidance to their gate, estimating the exact walking time, or where airport formalities take 15 minutes or less, thanks to AI-driven processes that eliminate traditional bottlenecks in the customer journey. These innovations are not just concepts; they are the foundations of the future we are already building.

Our growth story continues, with a robust trajectory supported by key markets, most notably Saudi Arabia and China, and the expansion of direct traffic on most routes. The lessons learned and technologies implemented at DXB will serve as the blueprint for our ambitions at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International, allowing us to create a model airport that rewrites global benchmarks. Sustainability will remain a guiding principle, with a focus on scaling initiatives like solar energy and transitioning our airside fleet to green fuels. And inclusivity will be a top priority, as we work to ensure that air travel is accessible and welcoming for everyone.

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that the path forward is one of promise and opportunity. With the exceptional people of Dubai Airports, the unwavering support of our partners, and the inspiring vision of our leaders, we are poised to continue setting new standards and elevating air travel to new heights.