Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, as airline capacity and international connectivity gradually recovered following a challenging period for regional aviation.
Passenger traffic strengthened throughout the second quarter, rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June. DXB handled 13 million passengers during Q2, although overall first-half traffic remained 31.3% below the same period in 2025 due largely to regional airspace constraints.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the performance demonstrated the resilience of Dubai’s aviation ecosystem. He noted that passenger demand has responded quickly as airline capacity returns, particularly important for DXB given the significant role of international transfer traffic.
By the end of June, almost 50 international airlines were operating at DXB, connecting passengers to 217 destinations across 99 countries. Load factors also continued to improve, approaching 2025 levels.
Aircraft movements reached 150,600 during the first six months, down 32.1% year on year, while cargo volumes stood at 751,340 tonnes, representing a 28.7% decline.
DXB processed 30.3 million bags during the period, with a mishandled baggage rate of 2.7 per 1,000 passengers, below the latest global industry benchmark of approximately 4.9.
Operational performance remained strong, with 98.98% of departing passengers completing passport control within 10 minutes, 98.95% clearing arrival passport control within 15 minutes and 99.34% passing through security within five minutes.
Dubai Airports is continuing to upgrade DXB through expanded self-service facilities, biometric technology, improved passenger areas and smarter operational systems.
Passenger momentum is expected to strengthen during the second half of 2026, supported by recovering airline networks, higher transfer traffic, the winter schedule and Dubai’s calendar of international business, leisure and sporting events.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
