DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Dubai International Airport (DXB) reinforced its status as the world’s busiest hub in 2025, handling a record 95.2 million passengers and cementing a dramatic post-pandemic rebound into a sustained boom.
The state-owned airport, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates, has now set annual passenger records for three consecutive years.
Traffic grew from 86.9 million in 2023 to 92.3 million in 2024 before reaching the latest milestone, far surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 86.3 million in 2019.
“Record traffic is no longer an exception, but part of its operating reality,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
The airport’s growth mirrors Dubai’s expanding appeal as a global crossroads for tourism, business, and real estate.
The emirate reported 19.6 million visitors in 2025, a 5% increase and another annual record, driven by its network of state-linked enterprises known as “Dubai Inc.”
Officials attribute the sustained surge to pent-up travel demand and the city’s rising profile as a destination for investment, tourism, and major international events.
By James Kisoo
