Dubai International Airport (DXB) has taken off to a flying start in 2024, recording its busiest quarter ever with over 23 million passengers traveling through its terminals. This impressive number marks an 8.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
The strong performance can be attributed to several factors, according to a statement released by Dubai Airports on Tuesday. The addition of new city routes by Emirates and flydubai, Dubai’s major airlines, has undoubtedly played a significant role. Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for talent, businesses, and tourism is also a contributing factor.
“We’re excited about the robust growth trajectory at DXB,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of DXB. “The impressive numbers are a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. The expansion of our network and Dubai’s overall appeal as a global destination are key drivers of this success.”
With this momentum, Dubai Airports has revised its passenger forecast for 2024 to a staggering 91 million, surpassing the previous record of 89.1 million set in 2018. This positive outlook is fueled by a strong start to the second quarter and an optimistic view of the remaining months.
Dubai International Airport offers connectivity to a whopping 256 destinations across 102 countries, with 90 international carriers operating flights. This extensive network further strengthens Dubai’s position as a major player in the global business and logistics scene.
India continues to be the top destination for travelers flying through DXB, with over 3.1 million passengers heading there in the first quarter. Saudi Arabia followed closely behind with 2 million passengers, while the United Kingdom (1.5 million) and Pakistan (1.1 million) rounded out the top four.
Looking at specific city destinations, London took the top spot with 961,000 passengers, followed by Riyadh (795,000) and Jeddah (669,000) in Saudi Arabia. Mumbai, India, secured the fourth position with 637,000 passengers.
Beyond passenger numbers, the first quarter also saw a significant increase in flight movements (up 8.3% year-on-year) with a total of 109,238. The average load factor, a measure of how full airplanes are, reached a healthy 79.1% during this period. Additionally, DXB efficiently managed a massive 26.8 million bags in the first three months of the year.
Dubai International Airport’s record-breaking performance in Q1 is a strong indicator of the city’s thriving tourism and business sectors. As Dubai continues to expand its reach and solidify its position as a global hub, DXB is well-positioned to handle the increasing number of travelers coming through its doors.
