Dubai International (DXB) is on track for record-breaking annual traffic, following an impressive performance in the first nine months of the year.

In a press statement, the airport operator says that by the end of September, DXB had received 68.6 million guests, laying a solid foundation for the typically high-traffic final quarter.

Paul Griffiths

“This year has highlighted the very best of DXB, showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, qualities that have become synonymous with the airport. At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and robust operational performance, keeping us at the top for over a decade. DXB continues to be our core focus, with ongoing investment in customer service and technological advancements, to ensure our success in delivering a superior hospitality experience,” says Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

“What is particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic than ever before, a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated. This reflects Dubai’s evolution into not just a premier tourist destination, but also a globally attractive place to live, work, and do business, further underscored by the city’s booming real estate market and its rising appeal as a destination for top talent. We are focussed on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience in the final quarter, buoyed by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and renowned attractions,” Griffiths adds.

The statement adds that the momentum from the first half of 2024 carried into Q3, during which DXB managed 23.7 million guests, significantly contributing to the year-to-date total of 68.6 million, a growth of 6.3 pc compared to the same period in 2023. Over 111,300 flights were handled in Q3, propelling the total flight movements, including all operations, for the first nine months to 327,700, up 6.4 pc year-on-year.

The statement adds that DXB’s ability to handle such high volumes seamlessly reflects the dedication of its team and partners to providing an efficient and world-class guest experience. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as biometrics and real-time tracking systems, guests continue to enjoy a seamless and elevated journey, it adds.

India remains top market 

India continued to lead as the top destination market with 8.9 million guests over the nine-month period.

Saudi Arabia followed with 5.6 million guests, marking a 15.2 pc increase, while the Unitd Kingdom accounted for 4.6 million, a 4.7 pc growth year on year. Pakistan and the USA contributed 3.4 million and 2.6 million passengers, respectively, and Germany recorded 2.0 million.

London remained the top city destination with 2.9 million guests, followed by Riyadh, which saw strong growth at 2.3 million passengers, a 25.8 pc increase.

Other key city destinations included Mumbai with 1.8 million, Jeddah 1.7 million, New Delhi 1.6 million, and Istanbul 1.3 million.

The statement adds that during this period, DXB processed 60.1 million bags with an industry-leading accuracy rate of 99.3 pc. Approximately 92 pc of arriving baggage for terminating guests was delivered within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on stand.

These figures highlight DXB’s unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, showcasing its capability to manage high traffic volumes with precision, maintaining smooth operations and a top-tier airport experience.

Direct Traffic and Winter Growth

DXB says that it expects to welcome 23.2 million passengers in the final quarter, a period known for high direct traffic, driven by expats travelling home for the festive season and visitors arriving to enjoy the UAE’s packed winter calendar. Around 60 pc of Q4 traffic is forecast to be direct, compared to 50 pc in Q3 and 55 pc for the full year.

This bustling period further underscores Dubai’s appeal as a warm and vibrant winter escape, particularly for travellers from colder and rainier regions seeking sunshine and premium experiences. Growth is expected from Western Europe, with an increase of 237,000 seats versus Q3, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, adding 301,000 seats, supported by home-based carriers and new airlines, including ITA, Condor, Hainan and Druk Air, which introduces a new route to Paro, in western Bhutan, are also new to the network, and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) welcomes Transavia and Eurowings. This addition of airlines and destinations reinforces DXB’s status as one of the most connected airports globally.

DXB says it retained its title as the world’s busiest international airport for the tenth consecutive year, unveiled by the Airports Council International (ACI) earlier this year. With its robust performance so far and the anticipated surge in Q4, its 2024 annual traffic is now forecast to reach 91.9 million guests – the highest in its 64 years.

This performance underscores its operational excellence and the increasing share of direct traffic, mirroring Dubai’s broader evolution as a sought-after city for tourism, business, and long-term living, evidenced by its recent ranking as the top city in the Middle East and Africa and among the top five cities globally in the Global City Index 2024.