Dubai International Airport (DXB) is poised to achieve record-breaking annual traffic after welcoming 68.6 million guests in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 6.3% increase from the same period in 2023.
The momentum carried through to the third quarter, with DXB hosting 23.7 million guests and handling over 111,300 flights. This brought total flight movements for the year to 327,700, reflecting a 6.4% year-on-year increase.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, attributed the airport’s success to its exceptional service standards and innovative infrastructure. “DXB showcases the best of what we stand for—growth, resilience, and unmatched service. This year, we’ve seen more direct traffic than ever, a testament to Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, business, and living,” Griffiths noted.
Direct traffic has surged, accounting for 50% of third-quarter travel, a shift from DXB’s historical reliance on transfer traffic. The trend is expected to continue, with direct traffic forecast to rise to 60% in the fourth quarter, bolstered by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and global events like the DP World Tour Championship and Emirates Dubai 7s.
India remained the top destination market with 8.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 5.6 million—a 15.2% increase—and the UK with 4.6 million. London led as the top city destination with 2.9 million guests, while Riyadh and Mumbai followed with 2.3 million and 1.8 million, respectively.
DXB’s efficiency and world-class service remain central to its operations. The airport processed 60.1 million bags with a 99.3% accuracy rate, and 92% of arriving luggage was delivered within 45 minutes. Advanced technologies like biometrics and real-time tracking systems contribute to this seamless passenger experience.
Looking ahead, DXB anticipates welcoming 23.2 million guests in the final quarter of 2024, bringing the annual total closer to its record-breaking target. The rise in direct traffic, enhanced air connectivity, and a packed calendar of global events underscore Dubai’s appeal as a leading travel and business destination.
