Dubai: DXB expects 3.6m passengers in back-to-school travel rush

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Dubai International Airport (DXB) expects to handle more than 3.6 million passengers between August 13 and August 25 as families return from summer holidays and students travel ahead of the new school year, says operator Dubai Airports.

Daily passenger traffic is expected to average 280,000 during the period, with the busiest day forecast for Friday, August 15, when numbers are set to exceed 290,000.

The travel surge comes after a record-breaking H1 2025, when Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, a 6 per cent rise from a year earlier, and DXB processed more than 46 million passengers, maintaining its position as the world’s busiest airport for international traffic.

Read: DXB welcomes 46 million passengers in H1 2025

DXB prepares itself for the rush

Dubai Airports said it is working with its “oneDXB” community, which includes airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners, to ensure smooth passenger flows during the peak.

The airport issued travel tips for arrivals, including the use of Smart Gates for passengers over 12 years old to speed up passport control, keeping documents ready, and using the Dubai Metro, taxis, or ride-hailing services for onward journeys.

DXB also highlighted amenities including lounges, shopping, dining, and duty-free options, as well as enhanced accessibility support such as marked routes, discreet assistance for travellers with Sunflower Lanyards, and an Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.