Dubai Airport sees record 44.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024 

Dubai’s Al-Maktoum International Airport (DXB) has announced it welcomed a record 44.9 million travelers through its terminals during the first six months of 2024. Marking an 8% year-on-year increase, the airport has cemented its position as a globally important travel gateway, boosted by strong connectivity with key international markets, while supporting Dubai’s economic growth. 

The total number of flight movements reached 216,000, a 7.2% increase compared to the first six months of 2023. The busiest month was January 2024 with 7.9 million passengers. The airport handled 39.7 million bags in the first half of 2024, a 6.7% year-on-year increase, marking the highest-ever baggage volume handled in the first half of the year. According to the airport authority, 92% of all arriving baggage was delivered to guests terminating their travel at DXB within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on stand. 

The average number of passengers per aircraft movement was 213, and the load factor remained steady at 77% compared to H1 2023. Direct traffic accounted for 56% of the total, representing a slight increase, while transfer traffic comprised 44%. Meanwhile, during the second quarter of 2024, the airport saw 21.8 million guests, an increase of 7.5% compared to the same period last year, and total movements were recorded at 107,000.   

“The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, “Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world, and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest.” 

“Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China, have been instrumental in our success. We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024,” he added. 

hamdi bendali / ShutterstockThe size and significance of Dubai Airport’s established and growing markets including South Asia, Western Europe, the GCC, and East Asia has played a crucial role in the airport’s continued success, says the airport. In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top destination country with 6.1 million passengers, while traffic from China exceeded 1 million passengers, representing 80% year-on-year growth and a 90% recovery compared to 2019 levels. 

DXB’s top destination countries after India are Saudi Arabia with 3.7 million passengers, the UK with 2.9 million, and Pakistan with 2.3 million. Other significant markets include the United States (1.7 million), Russia (1.3 million), and Germany (1.3 million). The top three city destinations were London with 1.8 million passengers, Riyadh (1.6 million), and Mumbai (1.2 million). 

DXB is connected to 269 destinations across 106 countries, served by 101 international airlines, reinforcing Dubai’s important position as a leading global business and logistics hub. 

First Emirates B777 with refitted cabin enters service, takes off to Geneva   

AirlinesbyMiquel RosAugust 7, 2024

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