DXB Sets New Global Benchmark as Record Traffic Becomes the Norm

Dubai Airports CEO to Spearhead Sustainable Aviation Fuel InitiativeDubai Airports announced that Dubai International (DXB) welcomed 95.2 million guests in 2025, a 3.1 percent year‑on‑year increase, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history and the highest annual international passenger traffic ever recorded by any airport worldwide.

What truly defined 2025 was not a single surge, but sustained, record‑breaking performance throughout the year. DXB achieved its busiest day, month, quarter and year on record, operating at the edge of its physical capacity while maintaining consistently high service standards.

From Dubai to Memphis: How Smart Airport Infrastructure Powers Global Trade

Levels of demand that might strain other global hubs have become part of DXB’s normal operating rhythm.

December 2025 closed as the busiest month in DXB’s history, with 8.7 million guests, up 6.1 percent year on year. The fourth quarter was also the busiest ever, handling 25.1 million guests, a 5.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Strong Traffic and Operational Performance

Total flight movements reached 118,000 in Q4, up 5 percent, bringing the annual total to 454,800 movements, a year‑on‑year rise of 3.3 percent.

Average passengers per movement remained high at 214, reflecting the continued deployment of larger aircraft and strong load efficiency. The annual load factor stood at 77.6 percent, a marginal adjustment of 0.5 percentage points.

Consistency at Scale

Rather than isolated peaks, 2025 highlighted DXB’s ability to deliver a superior guest experience continuously at record volumes. This performance was driven by disciplined planning and close coordination across the oneDXB community, encompassing airlines, service partners and government stakeholders.

DXB managed 86.75 million bags during the year, a 4.95 percent increase and the highest annual baggage volume ever handled. Operational excellence remained a defining feature:

• 89 percent of arriving baggage was delivered within 45 minutes of aircraft arrival on stand

• Mishandled baggage performance reached 99.75 percent, equivalent to 2.47 bags per 1,000 guests

• 99.35 percent of departing guests waited less than 10 minutes at passport control

• 98.8 percent of arriving guests waited under 15 minutes at passport control

• 98.9 percent of guests cleared security in under 5 minutes

Broad and Balanced Global Connectivity

India remained DXB’s largest country market with 11.9 million guests, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (7.5 million), the United Kingdom (6.3 million), Pakistan (4.3 million), and the United States (3.3 million).

Several markets recorded strong growth in 2025, including:

• China: +16.6% to 2.5 million guests

• Egypt: +14.3% to 1.8 million

• Italy: +12.5% to 1.6 million

• Turkey: +6.7% to 2.2 million

• Russia: +6% to 2.8 million

London remained DXB’s busiest city destination with 3.9 million guests, followed by Riyadh (3 million), Mumbai and Jeddah (2.4 million each), and New Delhi (2.2 million).

By the end of 2025, DXB was connected to 291 destinations across 110 countries, served by 108 international airlines, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most globally connected aviation hubs.

Leadership Perspective

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Airports are often defined by moments of intensity, but long‑term success is defined by how well those moments are sustained. In 2025, DXB demonstrated that record traffic is no longer the exception, but the operating reality.

"This consistency at scale reflects the maturity of our systems and the strength of collaboration across the oneDXB community. We expect traffic to approach 99.5 million guests in 2026, supported by close coordination across the sector.”

Outlook

As demand continues to build and capacity is carefully managed, Dubai’s airports are entering a phase where success is measured not by how high traffic can surge, but by how reliably growth can be sustained while delivering a consistently superior guest experience.

As traffic patterns evolve, the complementary role of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) will continue to expand, ensuring the emirate remains ready for the next era of global aviation.

Read More: Dubai Airports CEO to Spearhead Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative