Guest traffic at Dubai International Airport built momentum through the spring of 2026, climbing month over month during the second quarter as international airlines restored routes and passengers returned in greater numbers. Monthly volumes moved from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May, then reached 5 million in June — a trajectory that pushed second-quarter arrivals to 13 million and lifted the six-month total to 31.5 million.
That half-year figure represents a 31.3 percent drop from the same stretch of 2025, a decline shaped largely by airspace limitations across the region that weighed on operations early in the year. Even so, the quarter-by-quarter climb pointed to firming demand, with load factors edging back toward last year’s marks as route networks widened.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, framed the period as a test the airport withstood. “The first half of the year tested every part of the aviation system, and demonstrated our resilience. 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. Strong performance across the airport community in recent months has left us well placed to accommodate returning demand, work closely with our airline partners, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub.”
By the close of June, roughly 50 international carriers were operating at DXB, linking travelers to 217 destinations spread across 99 countries. Aircraft movements came to 150,600 for the half — down 32.1 percent year on year — of which 62,500 fell within the second quarter.
Operational performance held up against the reduced volumes. Baggage handling covered 30.3 million bags over the six months, 28 percent fewer than a year earlier, with the mishandling rate sitting at 2.7 per 1,000 passengers. That rate stayed comfortably under the global industry benchmark of about 4.9 per 1,000. On the passenger-flow side, 98.98 percent of departing guests cleared passport control in under 10 minutes, 98.95 percent completed arrival checks within 15 minutes, and 99.34 percent moved through security in under five.
Cargo throughput reached 751,340 tonnes for the half, a 28.7 percent year-on-year decrease, including 351,716 tonnes during the second quarter.
The airport operator is channeling investment into a range of upgrades as schedules rebuild — among them a consolidated remote departures setup, broader self-service options, continued expansion of biometric processing, and redesigned guest areas meant to ease movement and improve waiting spaces. The stated aim is simpler journeys, greater operational flexibility, and a smoother experience for the millions passing through.
Dubai Airports expects the year’s second half to bring stronger footing, citing recovering airline frequencies, rising transfer traffic, the easing of travel advisories in several source markets, the winter schedule, and a packed lineup of business, leisure, and sporting events in the city.
