Dubai International Airport (DXB) has achieved a milestone in its contribution to Dubai’s economy, welcoming a record-breaking 44.9 million guests in the first six months of 2024. This marks an impressive 8% increase from the same period last year, further cementing DXB’s status as a preferred global gateway.
The surge in passenger numbers aligns with Dubai’s growing appeal as a hub for talent, business, and investment. Recent figures from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reveal that the city attracted 9.31 million international visitors in H1 2024, highlighting its position as a premier global destination. Dubai’s economic growth continues to mirror this upward trajectory, with the city’s GDP reaching AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented on the achievement, stating, “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. 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.”
Strong Performance in Key Markets
DXB’s success is bolstered by its robust connectivity with key international markets. India remains the airport’s top destination country, with 6.1 million passengers in the first half of 2024. Notably, traffic from China exceeded 1 million passengers, representing an 80% year-on-year growth and a 90% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Other top destination countries include Saudi Arabia with 3.7 million guests, the United Kingdom with 2.9 million guests, and Pakistan with 2.3 million guests. Significant markets also include the United States (1.7 million guests), Russia (1.3 million), and Germany (1.3 million). The top three city destinations were London (1.8 million guests), Riyadh (1.6 million), and Mumbai (1.2 million).
DXB is now connected to 269 destinations across 106 countries, served by 101 international airlines, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading global business and logistics hub.
Operational Excellence and Guest Experience
The airport recorded a total of 216,000 flight movements in the first half of 2024, a 7.2% increase compared to the same period last year. January was the busiest month, with 7.9 million guests passing through the airport. DXB also managed a record 39.7 million bags during this period, a 6.7% increase year-on-year, setting a new high for baggage volume handled in the first half of the year.
In line with its commitment to operational excellence, DXB maintained an average of 213 guests per aircraft movement, with a load factor of 77%. Direct traffic accounted for 56% of the total, while transfer traffic made up the remaining 44%. The second quarter alone saw 21.8 million guests, a 7.5% increase from the previous year, with 107,000 total movements.
To further enhance the guest experience, Dubai Airports is rolling out several new initiatives, including colour-coded car parks for easier navigation, a new signature aroma in the Al Majlis VIP facility, and an advanced queue management system. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure a seamless travel experience. In the first half of the year, 98% of guests experienced wait times of less than 10 minutes at departure passport control, and 95% of guests at departure security screening waited less than three minutes.
