Dubai Airport hits highest quarterly traffic in 65-year history with 24.2M pax

Dubai International Airport (DXB) announced that it welcomed 24.2 million passengers in the third quarter of 2025. According to the airport, this figure is the highest quarterly traffic in its 65-year history and a 1.9% increase year-over-year.

The milestone pushed nine-month traffic to 70.1 million passengers, up 2.1% from last year. 

By the end of September 2025, DXB Airport’s 12-month rolling traffic hit a record 93.8 million passengers, with 336,000 aircraft movements between January and September, a 2.7% year-over-year increase.

#NEWS @DXB just recorded its busiest Q3 in our history with 24.2 million guests between July and September!This brings our total so far this year to 70.1 million guests, reaffirming #Dubai’s position as a global economic hub where aviation plays a vital role in the city’s… pic.twitter.com/MsP9Zz89ZP— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) November 19, 2025 India is DXB’s top market

India remained DXB’s top market with 8.8 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, followed by Saudi Arabia (5.5 million), the UK (4.6 million), Pakistan (3.2 million), and the US (2.4 million). 

London led city destinations with 2.8 million passengers, ahead of Riyadh, Mumbai, Jeddah, and New Delhi.

Operational performance remained strong. The airport handled 63.8 million bags, a record high for the period and 6.2% increase year-over-year. DXB said 90% of bags reached passengers within 45 minutes of aircraft arrival, while mishandled baggage stayed at just two per 1,000 passengers.

Wait times at the airport also stayed minimal: 99.6% of departing passengers cleared passport control in under 10 minutes, 99.8% of arrivals waited less than 15 minutes, and 99.7% passed security screening in under five minutes.

Terminal upgrades underway as DWC transition nears

While managing current growth, Dubai Airports is preparing for DXB Airport’s eventual handover to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) in the early 2030s. 

Near-term enhancements include CB Central in Terminal 3, showcasing Dubai’s brands; CB East, a family-friendly entertainment hub; CB West, featuring premium shopping and dining; and CD Central in Terminal 1 with airfield views and refreshed passenger areas.

“These record-breaking results reflect the continued strength of Dubai’s aviation and tourism sectors, and to the collective efforts of our oneDXB airport community,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. 

“Yet, it also reinforces the importance of what comes next. The vision for DWC goes beyond capacity expansion—it represents the reimagining and evolution of the entire travel experience. Our goal is not just to grow, but to grow intelligently by combining technology, sustainability, and a superior guest experience, which will shape the future of global travel,” he added.

DWC is being purpose-built as a smart, sustainable aviation hub designed to become Dubai’s main international gateway.

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