Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026. Passenger processing times remained strong, with most travelers clearing checks quickly. Despite regional airspace constraints, passenger volumes increased steadily through the second quarter. Nearly fifty international airlines connected DXB to 217 destinations worldwide. The airport anticipates stronger traffic momentum in the year's second half.

Passenger traffic dropped 42% to 13 million in second quarter

Dubai International Airport sees 31% H1 traffic drop but gears up for a stronger H2 2026 with rising passenger volumes, robust global connectivity and major upgrades.