DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Dubai International Airport has once again claimed its title as the world’s busiest airport, with a record 95.2 million passengers transiting through its terminals last year. This increase and the bustling activity at the airport reflect the ongoing economic boom in the emirate. Dubai has become a significant global travel hub, benefitting from a surge in tourism, business, and real estate prospects.
In the post-pandemic era, Dubai International Airport has seen a dramatic increase in passenger numbers, spurred by a global resurgence in travel as well as rising interest in Dubai as a tourist destination. On Monday, Dubai officials announced a 5% increase in tourism for the previous year, resulting in a total of 19.6 million tourists and marking the third consecutive year of record figures.
As the primary hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates, Dubai International Airport supports a massive network of state-owned and state-linked businesses collectively referred to as "Dubai Inc." Paul Griffiths, the chief executive of Dubai Airports, remarked that in 2025, “record traffic is no longer an exception, but part of its operating reality.”
Passenger traffic figures illustrate this trend, with Dubai International reporting 92.3 million passengers in 2024, a significant increase from 86.9 million passengers the previous year. To put this into perspective, the airport handled 86.3 million passengers in 2019, right before the pandemic disrupted global air travel, and saw 89.1 million passengers in 2018.
India continues to be the top travel destination for passengers flying out of Dubai International, with 11.9 million passengers choosing to travel there last year. Following India are Saudi Arabia with 7.5 million passengers, and the United Kingdom at 6.3 million. The airport serves 108 airlines offering flights to 291 cities across 110 countries.
Dubai’s success can be attributed to a booming real estate market and unprecedented tourism numbers, transforming it into both a destination and a key layover point for international travelers. However, the city is now facing challenges related to increasing traffic and rising costs that are affecting both its Emirati citizens and the expatriate community that drives its economy.
Looking to the future, Dubai plans to shift airport operations to Al Maktoum International Airport, located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) away. Al Maktoum, which opened in 2010 and initially served as a parking lot for Emirates' Airbus A380s during the pandemic, has recently resumed operations with cargo, commercial, and private flights. Additionally, it hosts significant events such as the biennial Dubai Air Show and offers ample space for expansion.
The local authorities have outlined plans for a move to Al Maktoum International Airport in 2032, accompanied by a substantial $35 billion upgrade to enhance its facilities and capabilities, signaling a significant step in Dubai’s growth as a global aviation hub.
Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press
