UAE Airports Handled Over 1.13 Billion Passengers and 6.16 Million Flights in Past Decade
Between 2016 and 2025, UAE airports collectively managed over 1.13 billion passengers and 6.16 million aircraft movements, with Dubai accounting for the largest share.
The United Arab Emirates' aviation sector demonstrated significant growth over the past decade, handling a cumulative total of more than 1.13 billion passengers and recording over 6.16 million aircraft movements between 2016 and 2025. These figures, released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, underscore the nation's position as a major global aviation hub.
Decadal Growth and 2025 Performance
By 2025, annual passenger traffic across UAE airports climbed by 26.1 per cent over the decade, reaching 156.87 million travellers. Aircraft movements also saw a substantial increase of 21 per cent to 828,570 take-offs and landings for the year 2025. Compared to the previous year, 2024, passenger numbers grew by 6.1 per cent (adding approximately nine million travellers), and aircraft movements increased by 7.4 per cent (an additional 56,772 flights).
The sector has also robustly surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Compared to 2019, passenger traffic in 2025 was up by 22.6 per cent, or nearly 29 million additional travellers, while aircraft movements showed an impressive 34.2 per cent increase, equating to over 211,000 more flights.
Emirate-Specific Contributions
Dubai emerged as the dominant force in the UAE's aviation landscape during this period. Dubai airports handled 804.6 million passengers between 2016 and 2025, accounting for 71.2 per cent of the national total. It also led in aircraft movements, recording approximately four million flights, representing 64.9 per cent of all movements nationwide.
Abu Dhabi ranked second, managing 210.8 million passengers (18.7 per cent) and 1.28 million aircraft movements. Sharjah followed with 110.1 million passengers (9.7 per cent) and 827,170 movements. These comprehensive figures include arriving, departing, and transit passengers, highlighting the UAE's integral role in global air travel.
Questions, answered
- How many passengers did UAE airports handle between 2016 and 2025?
- Between 2016 and 2025, UAE airports collectively handled more than **1.13 billion passengers** and recorded over **6.16 million aircraft movements**, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
- What was the annual passenger traffic in 2025 and how much did it grow?
- In 2025, annual passenger traffic reached **156.87 million travellers**, marking a **26.1 per cent increase** over the decade. This figure also represents a **6.1 per cent increase** compared to 2024, and a **22.6 per cent increase** compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
- Which emirate handled the most passenger traffic during this period?
- Dubai handled the largest share, accommodating **804.6 million passengers** between 2016 and 2025, which accounts for **71.2 per cent** of the total national passenger traffic.
- How did aircraft movements perform in 2025 compared to previous years?
- In 2025, aircraft movements reached **828,570**, growing by **21 per cent** over the decade. This was a **7.4 per cent increase** from 2024 and a **34.2 per cent increase** compared to 2019 figures.
- Which government body released these aviation statistics?
- The aviation statistics detailing passenger traffic and aircraft movements for UAE airports were released by the **Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre**.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.