Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled 31.5mn passengers in the first half of 2026, a total still 31.3% below the same period a year earlier, as the hub rebuilds from the disruption that hit regional aviation, Hotelier Middle East reported on September 1.
The figures point to the scale of the recovery still ahead for the world’s busiest international airport, which saw traffic collapse during the regional conflict and is now clawing back volumes as airlines restore schedules, even as the year-on-year comparison lays bare how far below normal it remains. Monthly passenger numbers rose from 3.5mn in April to 5mn in June.
DXB recorded 13mn passengers in the second quarter, serving nearly 50 international airlines connecting to 217 destinations across 99 countries. Rising load factors point to a gradual return towards pre-pandemic levels, though regional airspace constraints continue to affect traffic.
“The first half of the year tested every part of the aviation system and demonstrated our resilience,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive officer of Dubai Airports. “As capacity steadily returns across the board, demand is responding immediately. That is particularly important for DXB, where international transfers account for a significant share of traffic.”
Dubai Airports is investing in the hub’s facilities, with a programme covering a new consolidated remote departures area, expanded self-service and biometric systems, aimed at improving passenger flow.
Griffiths said strong performance across the airport in recent months had left it well placed to accommodate returning demand and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub.
Cargo operations handled 751,340 tonnes in the first half, down 28.7% year on year, as the airport adapted to shifting market conditions.
The airport expects the recovery to build through the second half, helped by the return of airline networks, rising international transfer traffic and easing travel advisories, ahead of the winter schedule.