Dubai International Airport (DXB) has set a new benchmark in global aviation, welcoming 92.3 million guests in 2024 – the highest annual traffic ever recorded in its history.
This surpasses the previous record of 89.1 million achieved in 2018, and coincides with a landmark achievement – a decade of DXB leading the Airports Council International’s (ACI) list of the world’s busiest international airports.
December emerged as the busiest month of 2024, with 8.2 million guests choosing DXB as their gateway and destination.
Commenting on the achievement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said 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,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“Our sustained investment in enhancing the airport’s capabilities contributes to our ability to achieve ambitious goals such as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s targets of becoming one of the world’s top five logistics hubs and doubling foreign trade by expanding connections to 400 new cities globally,” he added.
Sheikh Mohammed also commended the teams behind DXB’s remarkable success, led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “Our focus goes beyond rankings, we aim to provide exceptional value to the world.
“In the years ahead, we seek to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global bridge between markets and cultures, and a hub for connectivity and innovation.”
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the 2024 traffic numbers exceeded their forecast by almost 200,000 in guest numbers, underscoring the strength of DXB’s global appeal.
“Looking ahead, we are confident in reaching the milestone of 100 million annual guests by 2027. Our $35 billion expansion plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) will ensure we not only accommodate this growth but also allow Dubai Airports to redefine what it means to travel,” he said.
With connections to 272 destinations across 107 countries served by 106 international airlines, DXB continues to set the standard as one of the world’s most connected airports.
DXB also handled 2.2 million tonnes of cargo during 2024, a sharp increase of 20.5 per cent from last year.
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