Dubai International Airport Traffic Rebounds to 13 Million Passengers in Q2 Amidst Regional Recovery

Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is steadily recovering, with 13 million passengers welcomed during the second quarter of 2026. This brings the total first-half traffic to 31.5 million, as reported by Dubai Airports. While this figure represents a 31.3% decline compared to the same period in 2025, it signals a strong rebound following significant disruptions earlier in the year.

The recovery trajectory saw monthly volumes increase consistently through Q2, with 3.5 million passengers in April, 4.5 million in May, and 5 million in June. This surge follows a challenging period for regional aviation, impacted by airspace restrictions and widespread flight suspensions.

Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, highlighted the resilience of the aviation system. The return of international carriers, improved connectivity, and strengthening load factors are contributing to this recovery, indicating robust demand ahead of DXB's traditionally busier second half of the year.

Future Outlook

Dubai Airports anticipates sustained momentum in the latter half of 2026, driven by several factors:

• Ongoing recovery of airline networks and frequencies
• Rising international transfer traffic
• Easing travel advisories in key source markets
• The upcoming winter schedule
• Dubai's full calendar of global business, leisure, and sporting events

By the end of the first half, DXB was served by nearly 50 international airlines, connecting to 217 destinations across 99 countries. Load factors are nearing 2025 levels, reflecting expanded international connectivity.

Cargo volumes for the first half reached 751,340 tonnes, a 28.7% year-on-year decrease, with 351,716 tonnes processed in Q2. Baggage handling remained efficient, with 30.3 million bags processed in H1 and a mishandled baggage rate of 2.7 per 1,000 passengers, well below the global industry benchmark of 4.9 per 1,000.

Guest experience metrics remained strong, with 98.98% of passengers clearing 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.