Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its top global standing by welcoming 23.4 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.5% year-on-year increase despite already hitting record numbers in the same period last year.
January alone saw a milestone as DXB recorded its highest-ever monthly traffic with 8.5 million travellers, solidifying Dubai’s position as a hub of international travel. Much of this success is attributed not only to its infrastructure but to the coordinated efforts of airport staff, government partners, and service providers working together under the oneDXB initiative.
India once again topped the list of destination countries with 3 million travellers, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, Pakistan, the US, and Germany. At the city level, London was the most visited, with 935,000 passengers, while Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and New Delhi followed closely. Significant increases in leisure travel were also noted, especially to countries like the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and Spain.
While passenger traffic soared, cargo activity dipped slightly, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes — a 3.6% decline compared to Q1 2024.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths credited the performance to the people behind the scenes. “Delivering the busiest month in DXB’s history while maintaining exceptional service levels is no small feat,” he said. “This shared culture of collaboration and consistency is what elevates our performance.”
Examples of this commitment include a DXB Lost and Found success story, where a bag with AED 102,000 in cash and important documents was recovered and returned within 30 minutes. Another moment that drew public praise was an immigration officer’s kind gesture to a wheelchair-bound passenger, earning a personal commendation from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Operational efficiency remained high throughout the quarter. DXB processed more than 21 million bags with a 99.8% success rate, and more than 95% of guests passed through key airport checkpoints with minimal delays, thanks to advanced monitoring and biometric systems. Services were also improved for travellers with disabilities, highlighting the airport’s inclusive approach.
In addition to its stellar Q1 performance, DXB was once again recognized as the world’s busiest international airport by Airports Council International, marking the 11th straight year it has held that title. Currently, the airport connects passengers to 269 destinations across 106 countries via 101 international airlines.