Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, as airline capacity gradually returned and demand strengthened toward the end of the six-month period. Despite regional airspace constraints, passenger traffic strengthened through the second quarter as airline capacity, connectivity and demand gradually returned.
13 Million in Q2
DXB handled 13 million passengers during the second quarter of 2026.
Monthly Recovery
Passenger traffic rose from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June.
Global Connectivity
Improving airline capacity and international connectivity are supporting DXB's recovery.
Dubai Airports said the return of international airlines, improving connectivity and stronger load factors are supporting the recovery, with further momentum expected during the traditionally busier second half of the year.
Passenger Traffic Shows Signs of Recovery
DXB handled 13 million passengers during the second quarter, bringing total traffic for the first six months of 2026 to 31.5 million.
31.5 Million Passengers
Total passenger traffic during the first half of 2026 reached 31.5 million.
31.3% Year-on-Year Decline
The first-half figure was 31.3% lower than the same period in 2025, reflecting earlier operational challenges and regional airspace constraints.
Dubai Airports CEO Highlights Resilience
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the first half of the year had tested the aviation system while demonstrating its resilience. He noted that passenger demand has responded quickly as capacity returns, particularly important for DXB given the significant role international transfer passengers play in its operations.
Nearly 50 Airlines Connect DXB to 217 Destinations
Dubai International continued to maintain an extensive global network despite the disruption experienced during the first half of the year.
Almost 50 Airlines
Nearly 50 international airlines were operating from DXB by the end of June.
217 Destinations
The airport connected passengers with 217 destinations worldwide.
99 Countries
DXB's network extended across 99 countries.
Load factors also continued to strengthen and were approaching 2025 levels as international connectivity expanded.
150,600 Aircraft Movements
Aircraft movements reached 150,600 during the first six months of the year, including 62,500 during the second quarter. The first-half total was 32.1% lower than during the corresponding period in 2025.
DXB Invests in Technology and Passenger Experience
As airline schedules rebuild, Dubai Airports is continuing a broad programme of improvements aimed at increasing capacity and making passenger journeys through DXB more efficient. Technology deployment and changes to the design and functionality of key passenger areas are intended to create more intuitive spaces, improve movement through the airport and provide more comfortable waiting areas.
Expanded Self-Service
More self-service options are being introduced to simplify key stages of the passenger journey.
Biometric Systems
DXB is continuing the development of biometric technology across the airport.
Improved Passenger Flow
Smarter operational capabilities are being used to improve movement through key passenger areas.
New Remote Departures Experience
DXB is also developing a new consolidated remote departures experience alongside targeted capacity improvements across the airport.
Passport Control and Security Times Remain Low
DXB maintained strong passenger processing performance during the first half despite the challenging operating environment.
98.98%
Of departing passengers completed passport control in under 10 minutes.
98.95%
Of arriving passengers cleared passport control within 15 minutes.
99.34%
Of passengers passed through security in under five minutes.
The figures underline the airport's increasing focus on technology and efficient passenger processing as traffic volumes rebuild.
More Than 30 Million Bags Processed
30.3 Million Bags
DXB processed 30.3 million bags during the first half of 2026, including 12.7 million during Q2.
2.7 per 1,000 Passengers
DXB's mishandled baggage rate remained well below the latest global industry benchmark of approximately 4.9 per 1,000 passengers.
751,340 Tonnes of Cargo
Cargo operations also remained substantial, with DXB handling 751,340 tonnes during the first six months of the year, including 351,716 tonnes in the second quarter.
Stronger Second Half Expected at DXB
Dubai Airports expects traffic momentum to strengthen further during the remainder of 2026 as airline networks and flight frequencies continue to recover.
Network Recovery
Returning airline networks and frequencies are expected to support further growth.
Transfer Traffic
Increasing international transfer traffic is expected to strengthen DXB's performance.
Winter Demand
The winter schedule and Dubai's major business, leisure and sporting events are expected to support demand.
Increasing international transfer traffic and easing travel advisories in important source markets are expected to support the recovery. The upcoming winter flight schedule is also expected to contribute to growth, alongside Dubai's calendar of major international business, leisure and sporting events.
