DXB Enters a Stronger Second Half as Capacity Returns and Investment Continues

Regional airspace constraints continued to shape traffic across the first half of the year. Even so, guest volumes climbed steadily through Q2, rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June. The steady return of international carriers, improving connectivity and strengthening load factors all point to resilient demand across key markets, and to growing confidence as DXB heads into its traditionally busier second half.

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."

Investing in the Future of DXB

As airline schedules rebuild, Dubai Airports continues to invest in the future of DXB through a wide-ranging programme of enhancements. These improvements span guest facilities, a new consolidated remote departures experience, expanded self-service options, the continued evolution of biometric systems, smarter operational capabilities, better passenger flow and targeted capacity gains.

Across the airport, new technology deployments and refinements to the design and function of key guest areas are also underway. Together, these efforts create more comfortable, intuitive spaces, ease movement through the terminals and improve the comfort of waiting areas. The result: simpler journeys, greater operational flexibility, and the seamless experience that millions of guests expect at Dubai's gateway to the world.

Looking ahead, Dubai Airports anticipates stronger momentum in the second half of the year. That confidence is supported by the ongoing recovery of airline networks and frequencies, rising international transfer traffic, easing travel advisories across key source markets, the winter schedule, and Dubai's full calendar of global business, leisure and sporting events.

H1 Performance at a Glance

• Passenger traffic: DXB welcomed 13 million passengers in Q2, taking first-half traffic to 31.5 million — a 31.3% decline compared with the same period in 2025.
• Aircraft movements: Movements totalled 150,600 in the first half, down 32.1% year on year, including 62,500 during Q2.
• Network reach: By the end of the first half, almost 50 international airlines served DXB, connecting guests to 217 destinations across 99 countries. Load factors continued to strengthen, approaching 2025 levels as international connectivity expanded.
• Cargo volumes: Cargo reached 751,340 tonnes in the first half, down 28.7% year on year, including 351,716 tonnes handled during Q2.
• Baggage handling: DXB processed 30.3 million bags in the first half, down 28% year on year, including 12.7 million during Q2. The mishandled baggage rate stood at 2.7 per 1,000 passengers — well below the latest global industry benchmark of roughly 4.9 per 1,000 passengers.
• Guest experience: DXB continued to deliver a seamless journey, with 98.98% of guests completing departure passport control in under 10 minutes, 98.95% clearing arrival passport control in under 15 minutes, and 99.34% passing through security in under five minutes.