Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, with traffic gaining momentum through the second quarter as airlines restored capacity following a challenging start to the year.
Passenger numbers remained 31.3% below the same period in 2025, reflecting the impact of regional airspace restrictions and reduced airline schedules. However, monthly traffic improved considerably during Q2, rising from 3.5 million passengers in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June.
Dubai Airports said the return of international airline capacity, improving connectivity and stronger load factors point to a more positive second half of the year.
“The first half of the year tested every part of the aviation system, and demonstrated our resilience,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
“As capacity steadily returns across the board, demand is responding immediately. That is particularly important for DXB, where international transfers account for a significant share of traffic.”
DXB passenger traffic improves during second quarter
Dubai International handled 13 million passengers between April and June, accounting for more than 40% of its total first-half traffic.
The steady month-by-month recovery is particularly important for DXB because of the airport’s role as a major international connecting hub.
By the end of June, almost 50 international airlines were serving the airport, providing connections to 217 destinations in 99 countries.
Load factors were also approaching 2025 levels as more international capacity returned to the market.
Dubai Airports expects the recovery to continue through the second half of 2026 as airline frequencies increase and international transfer traffic strengthens.
Easing travel advisories in key markets, the winter airline schedule and Dubai’s calendar of business, sporting and leisure events are also expected to support demand.
Aircraft movements down 32% year on year
DXB recorded 150,600 aircraft movements during the first six months of 2026, representing a 32.1% decline compared with the previous year.
Of those, 62,500 movements took place during the second quarter.
The figures reflect the significant capacity reductions experienced earlier in the year, although Dubai Airports said airline schedules are now being rebuilt.
The airport expects returning frequencies and stronger load factors to support higher passenger volumes as the year progresses.
Cargo volumes reach 751,340 tonnes
Air cargo activity was also affected by the reduced operating environment.
DXB handled 751,340 tonnes of cargo during the first half, down 28.7% year on year.
Second-quarter cargo volumes reached 351,716 tonnes.
Despite the decline, the airport remains an important component of Dubai’s global logistics network, supported by the emirate’s extensive international airline connectivity.
DXB invests in biometrics and self-service technology
Alongside the recovery in traffic, Dubai Airports is continuing a broad programme of improvements at DXB.
Projects include expanded self-service facilities, further development of biometric passenger processing and a new consolidated remote departures experience.
The airport is also introducing operational technology designed to improve passenger flows and increase flexibility during periods of high demand.
Changes to the layout and functionality of key passenger areas are intended to create more comfortable waiting spaces while making it easier for travellers to move through the terminals.
Dubai Airports says the combination of technology and targeted capacity improvements will help DXB accommodate future growth without compromising the passenger experience.
Almost 99% of passengers clear security within five minutes
Despite the operational challenges during the first half of the year, DXB reported strong processing times across security and immigration.
Around 98.98% of departing passengers completed passport control in less than ten minutes.
For arriving travellers, 98.95% cleared passport control within 15 minutes, while 99.34% of passengers passed through airport security in under five minutes.
Baggage performance also remained above the wider industry benchmark.
DXB processed 30.3 million bags during the first six months of the year, including 12.7 million in Q2.
The airport recorded 2.7 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, compared with a cited global industry benchmark of approximately 4.9 per 1,000 passengers.
Dubai Airports expects stronger second half
The first-half figures represent an unusually sharp year-on-year decline for an airport that has recorded strong growth in recent years, but the monthly trend suggests traffic is recovering as regional aviation conditions improve.
Dubai Airports expects the traditionally busier second half of the year to benefit from additional airline capacity and stronger connecting traffic.
“Strong performance across the airport community in recent months has left us well placed to accommodate returning demand, work closely with our airline partners, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub,” Griffiths said.
With airline networks continuing to rebuild and passenger demand responding to additional capacity, DXB is now preparing for higher traffic levels through the remainder of 2026.
