Dubai International Airport Poised to Break Passenger Record by End of 2024. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set to achieve a remarkable milestone by the close of 2024, with passenger traffic projected to reach a record 91.9 million.
This significant growth is spurred by the airport robust performance, having already managed 68.6 million passengers from January to September 2024, and an anticipated 23.2 million more expected in the fourth quarter (Q4).
Strong Q4-2024 Anticipated as Key Driver
The final quarter of the year is forecasted to be especially dynamic for DXB as global travelers plan trips to Dubai, drawn by the UAE’s diverse and festive winter calendar. The airport current record of 89.1 million annual passengers, set in 2018, is on track to be surpassed.
According to DXB representatives, this period is traditionally marked by heavy direct traffic, primarily fueled by expatriates heading home for the holidays and international visitors arriving for renowned events and attractions.
Dubai’s winter schedule is packed with high-profile events such as the DP World Tour Championship, Emirates Dubai 7s, holiday markets, and the much-celebrated New Year’s Eve festivities.
The cruise season, which aligns with the final months of the year, also contributes significantly to the surge in passenger traffic as cruise operators leverage Dubai’s premier infrastructure and seamless connectivity.
Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic and Growth
By the end of Q3-2024, Dubai International Airport had recorded a robust 68.6 million travelers, propelled by continued momentum from the year’s first half. The third quarter alone saw 23.7 million passengers passing through DXB’s terminals, reflecting a 6.3% year-over-year increase, as reported by Dubai Airports. Flight operations also surged, with over 111,300 flights managed during Q3, adding to a total of 327,700 for the year thus far—a 6.4% increase from 2023 figures.
Shift Toward Direct Traffic
A notable trend observed in 2024 is the increase in direct, point-to-point traffic. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted that DXB has been seeing more direct traffic than ever before, marking a shift from the historical dominance of transfer traffic.
This change underscores Dubai transformation into a world-class destination not only for tourism but also as a hub for business, living, and talent attraction, fueled by a booming real estate market and economic vitality.
For Q4-2024, approximately 60% of the passenger volume is anticipated to be direct traffic, up from 50% in Q3 and contributing to an estimated 55% for the entire year.
Top Destinations: London and Riyadh Lead
Among the most traveled routes from DXB, London tops the list with 2.9 million passengers, while Riyadh recorded a notable 2.3 million, a 25.8% rise. Other significant destinations include Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), New Delhi (1.6 million), and Istanbul (1.3 million). The consistent growth in passenger numbers reflects Dubai’s strategic importance as a global travel hub.
Expanding Connectivity and Flight Operations
The surge in passenger traffic is supported by an increase in seat capacity. Western Europe is expected to add 237,000 seats in Q4-2024 compared to the previous quarter, while the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region will contribute an additional 301,000 seats. Growth has been bolstered by the introduction of new airlines such as ITA, Condor, Hainan, and Druk Air, along with home-based carriers.
Dubai World Central (DWC), also known as Al Maktoum International Airport, has played a key role in enhancing connectivity, welcoming budget airlines like Transavia and Eurowings to strengthen routes between the UAE and Europe.
High Passenger Traffic from Key Regions
India continued to be the top contributor to passenger traffic at DXB, with 8.9 million travelers recorded by Q3-2024. Saudi Arabia followed with 5.6 million passengers, a 15.2% year-over-year increase, while the UK accounted for 4.6 million, marking a 4.7% growth. The total passenger count for flights to and from Pakistan was 3.4 million.
Conclusion
As Dubai International Airport gears up for a record-breaking 2024, the combination of strategic growth in direct flights, an appealing winter calendar, and increased connectivity across key regions cements its status as the world’s busiest international airport.
With a full-year estimate nearing 91.9 million passengers, DXB is set to redefine its benchmark and reaffirm Dubai’s place as a global travel and business epicenter.