Dubai Airport remains on track to handle over 90 million passengers in 2024  

Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains on track for a record-breaking 2024 in terms of annual passenger traffic. The UAE gateway is on course to handle over 90 million passengers for the year – a new all-time high for the facility. The news comes as the airport enjoyed a strong performance throughout the first nine months of 2024.  

By the end of September 2024, the airport had handled 68.6 million guests, and with the traditionally high-traffic final quarter already well underway, is expecting the 90 million passenger watermark to be easily exceeded.   

The airport itself has said that the momentum from the first half of 2024 carried into the third quarter of 2024 (Q324) during which the airport handled 23.7 million guests, significantly contributing to the year-to-date total of 68.6 million. This figure already represents an increase of 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023. More than 111,300 flights were handled in Q324, propelling the total flight movements for the first nine months of 2024 to 327,700, up 6.4% over the same period in 2023.   

According to an airport statement, “Dubai’s ability to handle such high volumes seamlessly reflects the dedication of its team and partners to providing an efficient and world-class guest experience. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as biometrics and real-time tracking systems, guests continue to enjoy a seamless and elevated journey.” 

Sorbis / ShutterstockThe airport said that India continued to lead as the top destination market with 8.9 million passengers over the nine months to September 2024. Saudi Arabia followed with 5.6 million, marking an impressive 15.2% increase, while the UK accounted for 4.6 million guests, a 4.7% year-on-year growth. Pakistan and the US also contributed 3.4 million and 2.6 million guests, respectively, while passengers to and from Germany accounted for two million guests. 

London remained the airport’s top city destination with 2.9 million passengers, followed by Riyadh, which saw strong growth at 2.3 million, a huge 25.8% year-on-year increase. Other key city destinations included Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), New Delhi (1.6 million), and Istanbul (1.3 million).  

During the same nine-month period, Dubai processed 60.1 million bags with an “industry-leading” accuracy rate of 99.3%. The airport says that around 92% of arriving baggage for terminating passengers was delivered within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on stand – a figure that “highlights [the airport’s] unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, showcasing its capability to manage high traffic volumes with precision, maintaining smooth operations and a top-tier airport experience.” 

“This year has highlighted the very best of DXB, showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, qualities that have become synonymous with the airport,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and robust operational performance, keeping us at the top for over a decade. DXB continues to be our core focus, with ongoing investment in customer service and technological advancements, to ensure our success in delivering a superior hospitality experience.” 

“What’s particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic than ever before – a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated. This reflects Dubai’s evolution into not just a premier tourist destination, but also a globally attractive place to live, work, and do business, further underscored by the city’s booming real estate market and its rising appeal as a destination for top talent,” he added. 

“We’re focused on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience in the final quarter, buoyed by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and renowned attractions,” Griffiths concluded.  

Alexandra Lande / ShutterstockLooking ahead to winter  

Dubai Airport expects to handle 23.2 million passengers in the final quarter of 2024, a period that has historically seen high direct traffic, driven by expats traveling home for the festive season plus visitors arriving to enjoy the UAE’s packed winter calendar and favorable weather. The airport expects around 60% of fourth-quarter traffic to be direct, compared to 50% in Q3 and 55% for the full year. 

Growth in the final quarter of 2024 is expected from Western European cities, with an increase of 237,000 seats versus Q323, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, adding 301,000 seats. New airline operators at the airport for Q424 will include ITA Airways, Condor, Hainan Airlines, and Druk Air which will introduce a new route to Paro in western Bhutan. The addition of these airlines to the airport “reinforces Dubai’s status as one of the most connected airports globally,” concluded the airport’s statement. 

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