Dubai International Airport (DXB) is poised for a record-breaking year, having welcomed 68.6 million guests by the end of September 2024. This strong performance sets the stage for a bustling final quarter and reflects the dedication of the DXB team and partners who contribute to its standing as a global leader in aviation.
CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, highlighted the airport’s continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, attributing the record-breaking numbers to the collaborative efforts of its workforce. “This year has showcased the best of DXB,” Griffiths said, emphasizing that investment in customer service and technology will remain a priority to maintain superior hospitality.
Direct traffic has risen sharply, indicating Dubai’s status as not just a major transit hub but an attractive destination for living and business. This shift aligns with the city’s growing reputation, supported by a booming real estate market and appeal to global talent.
In the third quarter alone, DXB handled 23.7 million guests, contributing significantly to the year-to-date total, which marked a 6.3% increase from 2023. Flight operations totaled 327,700 for the first nine months, up 6.4% year-on-year, underscoring the airport’s capacity to manage high volumes smoothly.
India led as the top destination market with 8.9 million travelers, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5.6 million, and the UK at 4.6 million. London was the most popular city destination with 2.9 million visitors. DXB also achieved impressive baggage handling metrics, processing over 60.1 million bags with a 99.3% accuracy rate.
Looking ahead, the airport anticipates a surge in traffic for Q4, driven by expats traveling home and visitors coming to experience Dubai’s vibrant winter season and major events. The forecast for 2024 annual traffic is now set at 91.9 million guests, signaling the highest in DXB’s 64-year history. This milestone underscores DXB’s operational excellence and Dubai’s growing stature as a top global city for both tourism and business.
