Dubai International Airport (DXB), renowned as the world’s busiest airport for international travel, achieved a remarkable milestone in the first half of this year, welcoming 44.9 million passengers.
The record performance indicates a strong recovery in the aviation sector as it continues to rebound from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The latest figures were released on Wednesday, reflecting the airport's trajectory towards surpassing its all-time passenger record.
The surge in travel comes on the heels of a record annual profit reported by Emirates, the flagship airline based at DXB.
This growth coincides with Dubai's ambitious plans to transition operations to a new $35 billion airfield over the next decade, enhancing its position as a key global aviation hub.
According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub.
Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world — and we are proud to be the gateway to the city.”
The airport had previously recorded its busiest year in 2018, with 89.1 million passengers. In 2022, DXB welcomed 66 million travelers, and this number surged to 86.9 million in 2023.
Griffiths expressed optimism about the future, forecasting a further increase in traffic with an anticipated 91.8 million annual guests expected in 2024.
DXB has long served as a key indicator of both the aviation industry and Dubai's economic health. The emirate has rapidly bounced back from the pandemic, capitalising on tourism even as other countries gradually reopened.
This swift recovery has resulted in a striking contrast, with DXB going from a brief closure during the pandemic to grappling with record-high traffic volumes.
In April, Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, unveiled plans to relocate operations from DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
This ambitious airfield project, initially delayed due to the 2009 economic crisis, is set to feature a striking terminal design inspired by traditional Bedouin tents.
The new airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, significantly expanding Dubai's aviation capacity.
Currently, DXB operates with just two runways, similar to the existing facilities at Al Maktoum International Airport, which is located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from DXB.
The airport opened in 2010 with a single terminal and was repurposed as a parking area for Emirates' Airbus A380s during the pandemic.
Since then, it has gradually resumed operations, hosting cargo and private flights, while also serving as the venue for the biennial Dubai Air Show.
Sheikh Mohammed's recent announcement outlines Dubai's strategic expansion plans to the south.
The area around the Expo 2020 site has already begun to offer residential opportunities, further contributing to the city's growth and attractiveness as a destination for both tourists and new residents.
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