Dubai: DXB passenger traffic surges 49.1% in H1’23; surpasses pre-pandemic levels

Dubai International (DXB) has marked a major milestone in its recovery with passenger traffic for H1 by surpassing 2019 levels. The world’s busiest international hub welcomed 41.6 million passengers in H1, just over 100 per cent, compared to the traffic recorded during the first six months of 2019.

Dubai Airports reported that DXB registered a robust performance throughout Q2 2023. Passenger traffic surged by 42.7 per cent year on year (YoY) to reach 20.3 million during the period. May was the busiest month during Q2 with 6.9 million passengers registered.

Buoyed by Q2 results, DXB’s H1 2023 traffic was up 49.1 per cent compared to 27.9 million recorded in H1 2022.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “It’s been a rewarding first half for Dubai International and amidst increasing guest numbers, we take great pride in knowing we are continuously delivering with operational excellence and providing an exemplary guest experience.

“As we recover with our H1 traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile.”

#BREAKINGNEWS ? In the first half of 2023, we surpassed our pre-pandemic passenger traffic, welcoming 41.6 million guests to @DXB ? pic.twitter.com/p6QlHNjTht

— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) August 22, 2023

DXB H1 highlights: gulf business

• In H1 2023, baggage volume increased by 7 per cent compared to pre-pandemic H1 2019 levels. This year so far, DXB handled approximately 37.2 million bags without impacting baggage delivery to customers – 92 per cent of all baggage was delivered within 45 minutes to customers.
• DXB received a certification from Airports Council International for its efforts to prioritise a safe and inclusive airport experience for guests with both physical and hidden disabilities – a significant milestone. The airport welcomed several new airlines, further expanding connectivity to new destinations and countries.
• India continues to lead as DXB’s top destination country in terms of traffic with six million visitors, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.1m visitors, and the UK with 2.8 million visitors. Other leading destinations include Pakistan (two million guests), the U.S. (1.8m visitors), Russia (1.3 million visitors) and Germany (1.2m visitors).
• The list of top city destinations was led by London with 1.7 million visitors, Mumbai (1.2 million visitors)  and Riyadh (1.2 million visitors) following in a close third.
• DXB is connected to 257 destinations across 104 countries, through more than 91 international airlines.
• Cargo volumes at DXB surged in the second quarter by 16.1 per cent year on year to reach 453,500 tonnes, bringing the total freight volume for H1 to 853,500 tonnes, down from 6.2 per cent compared to last year.
• DXB handled a total of 201,800 flights in the first half, up 30.2 per cent year on year, up 13 per cent compared to the same period in H1 2019. The average number of travellers per flight during the first half reached 214 while the load factor was 77 per cent.

Read: UAE airports passenger traffic jumps by 56.3% in Q1 2023

Outlook for H2 2023

Looking to the remainder of the year, Dubai Airports is optimistic about the levels of demand and is expecting record-breaking numbers during the winter season.

“We started the second half with strong demand in July, and with the ongoing seasonal peak coinciding with the reopening of schools in August, we’re preparing for an exceptionally busy rest of the year. We’ve readjusted our forecast for the year from 83.6 million guests to 85m, just 1.6 per cent shy of DXB’s annual traffic in 2019,” added Griffiths.

UAE airports show growth in H1 2023

In other news, Abu Dhabi International Airport‘s traffic results for H1 2023 results showed growth in passenger numbers, flights and cargo movement.

A significant increase of 67 per cent in passenger traffic was witnessed, with 10,258,653 passengers passing through Abu Dhabi international Airport between January 1 and June 30, compared to 6,158,376 passengers served during the same period last year, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

Abu Dhabi International Airport also recorded 67,835 flights, a notable increase of 36 per cent compared to 49,919 flights during H1 2022.

The airport’s network continues to expand rapidly with 114 destinations served by 27 airlines during the period.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Airport also witnessed an impressive surge in passenger traffic, with over seven million passengers passing through its terminals in H1 2023. This notable figure reflects a remarkable growth rate of over 24.4 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

The airport also achieved substantial growth in cargo operations, managing to handle more than 70 thousand tonnes of cargo, including six thousand tons of sea-air cargo.

There was a 14 per cent increase in flights, totalling over 46.9 thousand flights during this period, in comparison to the same period last year.
key words: Dubai airports, aviation, dxb, dubai international, travel, H1 2023, gulfbusiness, sharjah, abu dhabi, news