Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DXB) has announced that it welcomed a record 44.9 million travellers to its terminals in the first six months of 2024. With an increase of 8% year-on-year, the airport has cemented its position as a globally important destination, strengthened by its good connections to key international markets, while supporting Dubai’s economic growth.
Total aircraft movements reached 216,000, up 7.2% compared to the first six months of 2023. The busiest month was January 2024, with 7.9 million passengers. The airport handled 39.7 million bags in the first half of 2024, up 6.7% year-on-year and the highest baggage volume ever handled in the first half of the year. According to the airport authority, 92% of all incoming bags were delivered to guests ending their journey at DXB within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving at the stand.
The average number of passengers per flight movement was 213 and the load factor remained stable at 77% compared to the first half of 2023. Direct traffic accounted for 56% of the total, a slight increase, while transfer traffic accounted for 44%. In the second quarter of 2024, the airport welcomed 21.8 million guests, an increase of 7.5% compared to the same period last year, and the total number of movements was 107,000.
“The record performance in the first half of this year underlines our strategic importance as a global aviation hub,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “Dubai leads global cities in attracting talent, businesses and tourists from around the world and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest.”
“Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but sure revival of markets such as China have been key to our success. We are very optimistic about the rest of the year and are on track to break records, with 91.8 million guests per year forecast for 2024,” he added.
The size and importance of Dubai Airport’s established and growing markets, including South Asia, Western Europe, the GCC and East Asia, have played a critical role in the airport’s continued success, the airport said. In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top destination with 6.1 million passengers, while traffic from China exceeded 1 million passengers, representing 80% year-on-year growth and a 90% recovery from 2019 levels.
The most popular destinations from DXB to India are Saudi Arabia with 3.7 million passengers, the UK with 2.9 million and Pakistan with 2.3 million. Other important markets are the US (1.7 million), Russia (1.3 million) and Germany (1.3 million). The three most popular city destinations were London with 1.8 million passengers, Riyadh (1.6 million) and Mumbai (1.2 million).
DXB is connected to 269 destinations in 106 countries and served by 101 international airlines, underlining Dubai’s important position as a leading global business and logistics centre.
