Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — August 2026 — Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, with traffic showing steady month-on-month growth in the second quarter as airline capacity recovered and international connectivity improved, according to figures released by Dubai Airports.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the airport recorded 13 million passengers in the second quarter alone, with monthly traffic climbing from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June. Despite this recovery, total first-half traffic was down 31.3 percent compared to the same period in 2025, a decline attributed to regional airspace restrictions.
Flight movements totaled 150,600 during the first half, down 32.1 percent year-on-year, of which 62,500 took place in the second quarter. By the end of June, the airport was served by 50 international airlines connecting it to 217 destinations across 99 countries.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the first half of the year represented a comprehensive test of the global aviation system, one that demonstrated the sector’s ability to respond with efficiency and flexibility. He noted that the rapid return of demand, alongside the gradual recovery of operational capacity, reflects the resilience of the industry and underscores Dubai’s role as a global hub for aviation and international connectivity.
Air cargo volumes reached 751,340 tonnes in the first half, down 28.7 percent, with 351,716 tonnes handled in the second quarter. The airport processed 30.3 million pieces of baggage overall, including 12.7 million in the second quarter, maintaining a mishandling rate of just 2.7 bags per thousand passengers, Â well below the global average of around 4.9 bags per thousand passengers.
Operational efficiency remained strong, with 98.98 percent of departing passengers clearing passport control in under 10 minutes, 98.95 percent of arriving passengers processed in under 15 minutes, and 99.34 percent of passengers passing through security screening in under five minutes.
Dubai Airports continues to roll out a comprehensive development programme at DXB, encompassing upgrades to passenger facilities and departure areas, expanded self-service options, biometric systems, and smart operational capabilities, all aimed at boosting capacity, efficiency and the overall travel experience.
Looking ahead, Dubai Airports expects momentum to accelerate in the second half of the year, driven by the continued recovery of airline networks, an increase in scheduled flights, growing international transit traffic, the winter travel season, and Dubai’s packed calendar of global business, entertainment and sporting events.
