Dubai International Airport recorded its busiest quarter on record this year, setting new traffic highs as the emirate’s aviation sector continues to expand.
Dubai International (DXB) handled 24.2 million passengers in the third quarter of 2025, the highest quarterly figure in its 65-year history. The total represents a 1.9% increase from the same period last year.
Passenger traffic for the first nine months reached 70.1 million, up 2.1% year-on-year. Dubai Airports reported a twelve-month rolling total of 93.8 million passengers at the end of September.
Aircraft movements remained steady, with 115,000 flights in the third quarter. Between January and September, DXB handled 336,000 flights across all categories, an increase of 2.7%, while the average number of passengers per aircraft stood at 213.
Terminal upgrades
Dubai Airports said it is moving ahead with several projects designed to improve the passenger experience across DXB’s terminals. These include CB Central in Terminal 3, which will highlight major Dubai brands; CB East, a family-focused zone with dining and entertainment; CB West, a new centre offering shopping and casual dining; and CD Central in Concourse D, featuring refreshed seating areas and improved wayfinding.
The operator said these projects are part of its long-term plan to maintain efficient operations while preparing for future growth.
Plans for DWC
Preparations continue for the shift to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), which is expected to become Dubai’s main airport in the early 2030s. The new hub is being developed as a technology-driven and sustainable aviation centre.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “These record-breaking results reflect the continued strength of Dubai’s aviation and tourism sectors, and to the collective efforts of our oneDXB airport community. Yet, it also reinforces the importance of what comes next. The vision for DWC goes beyond capacity expansion – it represents the reimaging and evolution of the entire travel experience. Our goal is not just to grow, but to grow intelligently by combining technology, sustainability, and a superior guest experience, that will shape the future of global travel.”
Key travel markets
India remained DXB’s top market during the first nine months of 2025 with 8.8 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 5.5 million and the United Kingdom with 4.6 million. Pakistan (3.2 million) and the United States (2.4 million) rounded out the top five.
London was the leading city destination with 2.8 million passengers, ahead of Riyadh (2.3 million), Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million) and New Delhi (1.6 million).
DXB also saw strong outbound leisure travel, with Malaysia, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan and Denmark among the most popular destinations.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
