UAE. Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed a record 44.9 million guests (the airport’s commendable term for passengers -Ed) in the first half of 2024, up +8% year-on-year.
Dubai attracted 9.31 million international visitors during H1 2024. This influx was supported by DXB’s extensive connectivity, with the airport now linked to 269 destinations across 106 countries and serviced by 101 international airlines.
These factors have contributed to the growth of Dubai’s GDP, which reached AED115 billion (US$31.3 billion) in Q1 2024, a +3.2% increase from the previous year.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths commented: “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses and tourists from around the world.
“We are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest. Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China have been instrumental in our success.
“We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024.”
As reported, Griffiths is one of many influential business figures to join an already power-packed speaker line-up at The Trinity Forum, which takes place on 5-6 November in Ho Chi Minh City.
DXB’s H1 success was bolstered by strong performances across established and emerging markets. India remained the top destination country with 6.1 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.7 million, the UK with 2.9 million and Pakistan with 2.3 million.
Significant growth was also observed in traffic from China, which exceeded 1 million passengers – a notable 80% year-on-year increase and a 90% recovery compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Other important markets include the USA (1.7 million guests), Russia (1.3 million) and Germany (1.3 million). The leading city destinations for DXB were London with 1.8 million guests, Riyadh with 1.6 million and Mumbai with 1.2 million, underscoring the airport’s broad global reach.
DXB recorded a total of 216,000 flight movements in H1 2024, a +7.2% increase compared to the previous year. January was the busiest month, with 7.9 million guests.
Direct traffic accounted for 56% of the total, while transfer traffic made up the remaining 44%. During Q2 , the airport served 21.8 million guests, a +7.5% increase compared to the same period last year, with total movements recorded at 107,000.
To further enhance the guest experience, Dubai Airports is introducing several developments, including colour-coded car parks for easier navigation, a signature aroma in the Al Majlis VIP area and an advanced queue-management system.
The real-time monitoring system at DXB helps prevent queues from building up across various touchpoints, contributing to the airport’s reputation for smooth operations (and boosting airside dwell time, important for commercial revenues).
During the first half of 2024, 98% of guests experienced less than ten-minute wait times at departure passport control, with the same percentage waiting less than 15 minutes at arrivals passport control. Additionally, 95% of guests at departure security screening waited less than three minutes.
With strong demand from key markets and a focus on enhancing the guest experience, DXB is on track to break its annual record, with 91.8 million guests forecasted for 2024. The airport’s robust performance and strategic initiatives are expected to continue driving growth, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub and economic powerhouse. ✈
