Dubai International (DXB) has broken its own record, welcoming 92.3 million passengers in 2024, reaffirming its place as the world’s busiest airport for international travel.
Dubai International (DXB) has marked a historic achievement by welcoming 92.3 million passengers in 2024, setting a new all-time record for the airport. This milestone surpasses the previous record of 89.1 million, which was set in 2018, and further cements DXB’s status as a global aviation leader. The year 2024 also marks a decade of Dubai International leading the Airports Council International’s (ACI) list of the world’s busiest international airports.
This unparalleled growth is attributed to sustained demand for travel and business connectivity, with a particularly strong final quarter driving the record-breaking passenger numbers. The last month of the year saw the airport’s busiest period, as 8.2 million passengers passed through DXB in December alone, underscoring Dubai’s continued allure as a global travel, business, and investment destination.
A Landmark Moment in Global Aviation
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, lauded this milestone as a testament to the UAE’s vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence. “Dubai International (DXB) is a global success story that reflects the UAE’s ability to transform bold ambitions into reality. Consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, its record annual passenger traffic this year is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence that continues to shape the UAE’s progress,” he said.
“Dubai International (DXB) is a global success story that reflects the UAE’s ability to transform bold ambitions into reality.”
- H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the continued investments in the airport’s infrastructure and operational capabilities, which have played a key role in achieving ambitious goals such as Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. Under this plan, Dubai aims to become one of the world’s top five logistics hubs and to double foreign trade by expanding air links to 400 new cities globally.
A Decade of Leadership in Global Aviation
The year 2024 also marks a decade of Dubai International’s dominance in the global aviation sector, having held the top spot in the ACI rankings as the world’s busiest international airport since 2014. This remarkable achievement is a direct result of the commitment to operational innovation and exceptional guest service.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his gratitude for the teams behind the achievement, particularly H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports. “Under Sheikh Ahmed’s guidance, Dubai continues to redefine what a world-class airport experience means, inspiring travellers and industries alike,” he added.
A Strong Foundation
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasised the significance of the record, attributing it to the dedication of the DXB community. “Crossing the 92 million mark is a monumental achievement for DXB and for Dubai. It reflects the relentless drive, collaboration, and passion of the oneDXB community – our people and partners – who work together to deliver seamless, world-class experiences that leave a lasting impression on every guest.”
The growth surpassing expectations further underscores the strength of Dubai’s global appeal. DXB exceeded its forecast by nearly 200,000 passengers, and with a goal of reaching 100 million annual guests by 2027, Dubai Airports is already planning for the future. The $35 billion expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) is set to play a crucial role in accommodating this growth, offering the opportunity to incorporate the latest in 21st-century airport design.
“The future of air travel looks brighter than ever,” said Griffiths. “With the expansion plans and the knowledge gained from ten years as the world’s largest international airport, Dubai is poised to continue leading the way in global connectivity.”
Cargo Growth and Operational Efficiency
In addition to record passenger numbers, DXB also reported a significant growth in cargo operations, handling 2.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2024 – a 20.5% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores DXB’s continued importance as a logistics hub connecting markets around the world.
Operationally, the airport has maintained remarkable levels of efficiency despite the surge in passenger traffic. DXB handled a total of 440,300 flight movements in 2024, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. A load factor of 78.1% represents a marginal growth of 0.3%, ensuring that the airport remains a hub of seamless travel and logistics.
In terms of guest services, DXB achieved a significant milestone by handling 81.2 million bags, with an industry-leading success rate of 99.45%. This performance is well above the international standard of 6.9 mishandled bags per 1,000 guests, with DXB’s rate standing at just 5.5 per 1,000. Additionally, passengers benefited from short wait times at passport control and security, with 98.2% of guests waiting less than 10 minutes at departure passport control.
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