Dubai airport passenger traffic rebounding after 31% drop in H1 2026

Passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) is showing signs of recovery, with monthly volumes rising steadily during the second quarter after what Dubai Airports described as one of the most challenging operating environments in the airport’s history.

13 Million Passengers in Q2

DXB welcomed around 13 million passengers during the second quarter, taking total first-half traffic to 31.5 million passengers. This was 31.3 per cent lower than the same period in 2025, according to figures released by Dubai Airports.

Despite the year-on-year decline, passenger numbers increased consistently throughout the quarter. DXB recorded 3.5 million passengers in April, 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June, highlighting a gradual recovery in travel demand.

The improvement follows major disruptions earlier in the year caused by airspace restrictions and widespread flight suspensions across the region. The return of international airlines, improved connectivity and stronger aircraft load factors are now pointing to renewed demand.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the first half of the year had “tested every part of the aviation system” while also demonstrating the sector’s resilience.

Promising Outlook for the Second Half

The aviation sector faced significant disruption after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, leading to heightened regional security concerns.

Iran subsequently targeted the UAE and other Gulf countries with drones and missiles, prompting temporary airport closures and flight suspensions.

Dubai Airports now expects passenger traffic to gain further momentum during the second half of the year. The recovery is expected to be supported by the restoration of airline networks and flight frequencies, increasing international transfer traffic and easing travel advisories in key markets.

The upcoming winter travel schedule, along with Dubai’s busy calendar of international business, leisure and sporting events, is also expected to support passenger growth.

“As capacity steadily returns across the board, demand is responding immediately,” Griffiths said, noting that international transfer passengers represent a significant share of DXB’s traffic.

He added that strong performance across the airport community has positioned DXB to accommodate returning demand and strengthen Dubai’s role as a leading global aviation hub.

DXB Connects 217 Destinations

By the end of the first half of 2026, DXB was served by almost 50 international airlines, connecting passengers to 217 destinations across 99 countries.

Load factors continued to improve and were approaching 2025 levels as international connectivity expanded.

The airport also handled 751,340 tonnes of cargo during the first half, down 28.7 per cent year on year. Of this total, 351,716 tonnes were processed during the second quarter.

Baggage and Passenger Processing Remain Strong

DXB processed 30.3 million bags during the first half of the year, a 28 per cent decline compared with the same period in 2025. Q2 accounted for 12.7 million bags.

Despite the challenging operating environment, the airport maintained strong baggage-handling performance. The mishandled baggage rate stood at 2.7 bags per 1,000 passengers, well below the latest global industry benchmark of approximately 4.9 per 1,000 passengers.

DXB also continued to deliver fast passenger processing times. During the first half:

98.98 per cent of departing passengers completed passport control in under 10 minutes.

98.95 per cent of arriving passengers cleared passport control in under 15 minutes.

99.34 per cent of passengers passed through security in under five minutes.

With airline capacity gradually returning and international demand strengthening, Dubai International is entering the second half of the year with signs of a steady recovery and renewed confidence in its position as a major global aviation hub.