Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed an unprecedented 44.9 million passengers during the first half of 2024.
This record-breaking figure, representing an 8 percent year-on-year increase, not only cements DXB’s status as a globally preferred gateway but also significantly contributes to Dubai’s burgeoning economy.
The surge in passenger traffic aligns closely with Dubai’s broader economic success. The city attracted 9.31 million international visitors during the same period, underlining its growing appeal as a global hub for talent, businesses, and investors. This influx has played a crucial role in Dubai’s GDP growth, which reached AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, marking a 3.2 percent increase from the previous year.
“The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
Griffiths expressed optimism for the remainder of the year, projecting an annual passenger count of 91.8 million for 2024.
Dubai Airport’s passenger market drivers
Key markets driving this growth include India, which remains DXB’s top destination country with 6.1 million passengers. Notably, traffic from China has shown remarkable recovery, exceeding 1 million passengers and representing an 80 percent year-on-year growth. Other significant markets include Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan.
The airport’s operational excellence is evident in its handling of 39.7 million bags in the first half of the year, a 6.7 percent increase from the previous year. Impressively, 92 percent of all arriving baggage for passengers terminating at DXB was delivered within 45 minutes of aircraft arrival.
As DXB continues to enhance its guest experience, plans are underway for new developments, including colour-coded car parks, a signature aroma in the VIP facility, and an advanced queue management system. These improvements aim to maintain DXB’s high standards, with 98 percent of guests experiencing wait times of less than 10 minutes at departure passport control and less than 15 minutes at arrivals.
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