DXB breaks 65-year record as passenger numbers skyrocket

Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded its highest quarterly traffic in 65 years in Q3 2025, welcoming 24.2 million passengers between July and September, up 1.9% year-on-year. 

This strong performance pushed DXB’s total traffic for the first nine months to 70.1 million, while its 12-month rolling figure reached a record 93.8 million passengers.

Aircraft movements remained strong, with 115,000 flights handled in the third quarter and 336,000 flights between January and September, a 2.7% increase. The average number of passengers per flight reached 213.

Despite record volumes, DXB maintained exceptional service levels: 90% of bags delivered within 45 minutes, mishandled baggage rate at 0.1%, 99.6% of departing passengers through passport control in under 10 minutes, 99.7% clearing security in under 5 minutes.

Dubai Airports highlighted that ongoing upgrades aim to enhance all terminals. Projects include CB Central, CB East, and CB West at Terminal 3, and CD Central in Concourse D, all designed to elevate retail, dining, and passenger experience.

At the same time, preparations continue for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), set to become Dubai’s main international gateway in the early 2030s. The next-generation airport will prioritise smart technology, sustainability, and efficiency.

CEO Paul Griffiths said the results reflect the strength of Dubai’s aviation and tourism sectors, adding that DWC represents the “reimagining and evolution of the entire travel experience.”

India remained DXB’s largest market (8.8m passengers), followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, Pakistan, and the U.S. London was the top city destination, ahead of Riyadh, Mumbai, Jeddah, and New Delhi.