Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again made aviation history, handling a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers in 2024. This milestone surpasses the airport’s previous all-time high of 89.1 million in 2018 and marks a decade of DXB leading the Airports Council International (ACI) rankings as the world’s busiest airport for international travelers.
December was the busiest month of the year, with 8.2 million passengers passing through Dubai, underscoring the city’s global appeal as a major transit and destination hub. The figures for 2024 exceeded initial forecasts by nearly 200,000 passengers, reinforcing confidence in DXB’s ambitious target of 100 million annual travelers by 2027.
A Decade of Unmatched Growth
Since 2014, Dubai International Airport has welcomed over 700 million passengers on more than 3.3 million flights, reflecting the city’s rapid economic and tourism growth. The airport’s continued dominance aligns with the UAE’s Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai as one of the world’s top five logistics hubs by expanding connections to 400 cities worldwide.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the achievement as a global success story, stating that DXB’s record-breaking passenger numbers are a testament to Dubai’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. He emphasised that the goal is not just to be number one in rankings but to provide an exceptional travel experience and strengthen Dubai’s position as a bridge between markets and cultures.
Expanding Dubai’s Aviation Infrastructure
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described the achievement as a monumental milestone, emphasising the airport’s focus on continuous expansion. To accommodate future growth, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) is undergoing a $35 billion expansion, incorporating cutting-edge 21st-century airport design and innovative passenger flow solutions.
Griffiths noted that the 2024 results exceeded forecasts, highlighting DXB’s growing appeal. With future expansion plans, the airport aims to redefine the global travel experience while reaching the 100-million-passenger target by 2027.
Unparalleled Global Connectivity
- 272 destinations across 107 countries
- 106 international airlines operating from the airport
- 2.2 million tonnes of cargo handled in 2024 (a 20.5% increase year-on-year)
- 440,300 flight movements in 2024 (a 5.7% increase from the previous year)
With these impressive figures, Dubai is fast-tracking its mission to become a key hub for global trade, business, and tourism.
Operational Excellence: Setting Global Standards
- 81.2 million bags processed in 2024 with a 99.45% success rate
- Only 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, outperforming the global standard of 6.9 per 1,000 (SITA)
- 98.2% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes at departure passport control
- 99.2% of travelers cleared security in under five minutes
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Group, credited these achievements to the dedication of airport teams, cutting-edge technology, and seamless operational efficiency. He highlighted DXB’s focus on setting new benchmarks for world-class airport experiences, emphasising that DXB is more than an airport—it is a gateway that connects people, cultures, and opportunities.
The Future of DXB: Beyond 100 Million Passengers
With DXB breaking records and setting global benchmarks, 2025 and beyond promise even greater achievements. As Dubai prepares for major international events and further infrastructure advancements, DXB is positioned to remain the leading international airport for years to come.
- The next milestone: 100 million passengers by 2027
Dubai’s aviation dominance is not just about numbers—it is about redefining global travel and connectivity.
