Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled 31.5 million passengers in the first six months of 2026, with traffic picking up steadily in the second quarter as airline capacity returned and demand improved.
Passenger numbers rose from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June. However, first-half traffic was 31.3% lower than the same period in 2025, reflecting the impact of regional airspace restrictions and a difficult operating environment.
Q2 traffic rises
DXB recorded 13 million passengers in the second quarter, bringing the first-half total to 31.5 million.
Aircraft movements reached 150,600 during the first six months, down 32.1% year on year. Of these, 62,500 movements were recorded in Q2.
By the end of June, almost 50 international airlines were operating from DXB, connecting passengers to 217 destinations across 99 countries. Load factors also improved and were approaching 2025 levels as airline connectivity expanded.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “The first half of the year tested every part of the aviation system, and demonstrated our resilience. 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. 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.”
Cargo and baggage
DXB handled 751,340 tonnes of cargo during the first half, a 28.7% decline from the same period last year. Q2 cargo volumes stood at 351,716 tonnes.
The airport processed 30.3 million bags in H1, down 28% year on year, including 12.7 million bags in Q2.
The mishandled baggage rate was 2.7 bags per 1,000 passengers, below the global industry benchmark of about 4.9 per 1,000.
Faster airport processing
DXB reported high processing performance during the first half of the year. Some 98.98% of departing passengers completed passport control in less than 10 minutes, while 98.95% of arriving passengers cleared passport control within 15 minutes.
Security screening was completed within five minutes for 99.34% of passengers.
Dubai Airports is also continuing upgrades at DXB, including expanded self-service facilities, biometric systems, passenger-flow improvements and a new consolidated remote departures experience.
Stronger second half
Dubai Airports expects traffic to gain further momentum in the second half of 2026 as airlines restore routes and frequencies.
The winter flight schedule, rising international transfer traffic, easing travel advisories in key markets and Dubai’s business, leisure and sporting events calendar are also expected to support passenger demand.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
