Dubai International Airport (DXB) Maintains Global Lead as Busiest International Hub in 2024
On April 14, 2025, Dubai International Airport (DXB) reaffirmed its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, a title it has held for 11 consecutive years. This milestone, reported by official Arabic sources like Emirates News Agency and Al Bayan, underscores DXB’s pivotal role in global aviation and Dubai’s economy. The airport’s success in 2024, coupled with plans for 2025, highlights its unmatched connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and strategic importance.
In 2024, DXB welcomed an impressive 92.3 million international passengers, far surpassing competitors. London Heathrow trailed in second place with 79.2 million passengers, while Incheon Airport in South Korea handled around 70 million. The Airports Council International confirmed DXB’s dominance over other major hubs like Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Singapore Changi, with Doha’s Hamad International Airport ranking 10th at 52.7 million passengers. Total passenger traffic, including domestic flights, reached 88.8 million, nearing the airport’s 90-million capacity, up from 87 million in 2023. This growth was supported by a likely increase in aircraft movements, following a record 416,405 takeoffs and landings in 2023. DXB connects 262 destinations across 104 countries through 102 international airlines, cementing its status as a global gateway.
Emirates Airline, DXB’s flagship carrier, played a central role, handling 51.9 million passengers in the 2023–2024 financial year, a 19% jump from the previous year. Operating exclusively from Terminal 3, Emirates accounts for 51% of passenger traffic and 42% of aircraft movements. Recognized as the world’s third-best airline by Skytrax in 2024, it bolstered its fleet with an order for 310 new Boeing 777, 787, and Airbus A350 aircraft. Flydubai, the airport’s low-cost carrier, contributed 13% of passengers and 25% of movements, expanding its reach across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East from Terminal 2 and parts of Terminal 3. Over 100 other airlines, including Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways, further enhance DXB’s global connectivity.
Looking to 2025, DXB anticipates continued growth through new routes and increased flight frequencies. Emirates has announced expansions into South America and Southeast Asia, while Flydubai is adding flights to CIS countries and Eastern Europe. Popular routes like London, Istanbul, New York, and Mumbai will see more frequent services. In 2024, over 8,000 weekly flights linked DXB to global destinations, with 63% of passengers being transit travelers, reinforcing its role as a critical hub bridging Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These new connections will drive DXB closer to, or beyond, its 90-million-passenger capacity in 2025, supported by a projected 4–5% rise in global air traffic.
Infrastructure upgrades keep DXB at the forefront of aviation. In 2024, CEO Paul Griffiths introduced facial recognition and biometric systems to streamline check-in and immigration, reducing wait times and enhancing passenger experience. Terminal 3, the world’s largest by floor area, is seeing new shopping zones, lounges, and upgraded food courts, alongside a 40,000-square-meter Duty Free area. Cargo capacity grew to 3 million tonnes annually, with plans to reach 5 million, strengthening DXB’s logistics role. After flooding disrupted operations in April 2024, improved drainage systems were installed to bolster resilience against extreme weather. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the transition to Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become Dubai’s primary hub by 2034 with a 160-million-passenger capacity. Until then, DXB will see continued short-term investments.
Economically, DXB is a powerhouse. In 2014, it supported over 400,000 jobs and contributed 26.7 billion dollars to Dubai’s economy, equivalent to 27% of the emirate’s GDP. These figures likely grew in 2024, fueled by aviation and tourism, which drew 17.15 million visitors to Dubai. The airport supports thriving sectors like gastronomy, where Dubai ranks second globally for restaurant diversity, and retail. This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to place Dubai among the top three global cities for living and business by 2033. DXB remains a cornerstone of this vision.
In 2025, DXB will face competition from Istanbul Airport, expected to handle 85 million passengers, and Doha’s Hamad International, which is expanding rapidly. Yet, DXB’s new routes, technological advancements, and reputation will likely preserve its lead. Investments in facilities for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, which dominate its operations, will further support growth. As DXB continues to connect the world, it solidifies Dubai’s position as a global aviation and economic hub.
