Dubai International Sets Record for International Passenger Traffic in 2025
Dubai International Airport has set a new benchmark for the highest annual international passenger traffic ever recorded by any airport. However, despite the milestone, it is not yet confirmed as the world’s busiest airport overall.
According to Dubai Airports, the hub welcomed a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025 — its busiest year ever. Officials expect passenger numbers to increase further in 2026.
Record-Breaking Growth Reflects Dubai’s Economic Boom
Dubai International reaffirmed its position as the world’s busiest international air hub, with 95.2 million passengers passing through its terminals last year.
The achievement underscores Dubai’s sustained economic expansion, driven by a strong rebound in global travel and the city’s growing appeal as a destination for tourism, business, and real estate investment.
The airport’s post-pandemic growth has closely mirrored the broader strength of Dubai’s visitor economy.
Tourism Numbers Hit New Highs
Dubai reported a 5 percent increase in tourist arrivals in 2025, welcoming a record 19.6 million visitors. This marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking tourism for the emirate.
The airport’s performance is closely linked to “Dubai Inc.” — a powerful network of state-owned and state-linked enterprises. Emirates airline, the long-haul carrier operating from the state-owned airport, remains a central pillar of that ecosystem.
Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, said the consistently high passenger volumes mean record-breaking traffic “is no longer an exception, but part of its operating reality.”
Passenger Growth Over Recent Years
Dubai International’s steady rise in passenger traffic has been notable in recent years:
- 2025: 95.2 million passengers
- 2024: 92.3 million passengers
- 2023: 86.9 million passengers
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 86.3 million passengers
- 2018: 89.1 million passengers
The latest figures surpass pre-pandemic levels and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global aviation leader.
Top Destinations and Airline Network
India remained the leading destination for passengers departing Dubai International in 2025, accounting for 11.9 million travelers. Saudi Arabia followed with 7.5 million passengers, while the United Kingdom ranked third with 6.3 million.
The airport served 108 airlines operating flights to 291 cities across 110 countries.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths highlighted growth opportunities in key markets, including China and Russia, and noted double-digit passenger growth from Egypt and Italy.
Rising Costs and Infrastructure Pressure
While Dubai’s real estate boom and record tourism figures have strengthened its position as both a destination and transit hub, the rapid growth has created challenges. Increased traffic and rising living costs are putting pressure on both Emirati citizens and the expatriate workforce that supports the city’s economy.
Planned Move to Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai plans to shift airport operations to Al Maktoum International Airport, located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the current hub.
Al Maktoum opened in 2010 with a single terminal and was used during the pandemic to store Emirates’ Airbus A380 aircraft. Since then, it has resumed cargo, commercial, and private flight operations. The airport also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has substantial surrounding desert land available for expansion.
Authorities plan to relocate operations to Al Maktoum by 2032 following an estimated $35 billion upgrade.
Is Dubai the World’s Busiest Airport?
Despite setting a record for international passenger traffic, it remains unclear whether Dubai is the world’s busiest airport overall, as rankings depend on measurement criteria.
For years, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has held the title of the world’s busiest airport based on total passenger traffic. While final 2025 figures are not yet available, Atlanta recorded 108 million passengers in 2024, according to the ATL Chamber of Commerce.
In January, Chicago O’Hare International Airport declared itself America’s busiest airport based on preliminary FAA data measuring takeoffs and landings. However, passenger totals at O’Hare remained lower than Atlanta’s, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Outlook for 2026
With record passenger numbers and expanding global connections, Dubai International is expected to see continued growth in 2026. As the emirate prepares for a long-term transition to Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub appears set to expand even further.
