Dubai Airport Records Historic Passenger Numbers in 2024
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has reached a milestone in global aviation by recording 92.3 million passengers in 2024, marking the highest annual traffic in its history. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 89.1 million set in 2018 and coincides with a decade of leadership in the ranking of the world’s busiest international airports, according to the Airports Council International (ACI).
Steady Growth and Historic Month
The impressive performance of DXB in 2024 was driven by sustained growth throughout the year, culminating in an extraordinary fourth quarter. December stood out as the busiest month, with 8.2 million passengers.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted this success as a reflection of the country’s commitment to innovation and excellence. “DXB is a global success story that demonstrates the UAE’s ability to turn bold ambitions into reality,” he stated.
→ Doha’s Hamad Airport reaches record passenger numbers in 2024
Global Connections and Operational Achievements
DXB remained one of the world’s most connected airports in 2024, offering flights to 272 destinations in 107 countries through 106 international airlines. In addition to its impressive passenger record, the airport also achieved significant advancements in cargo handling:
- Total cargo: 2.2 million tons, a 20.5% increase from the previous year.
- Flight movements: 440,300 movements, a 5.7% increase.
- Load factor: 78.1%, a slight improvement of 0.3%.
In terms of baggage handling, DXB set a new record by managing 81.2 million bags with a success rate of 99.45%. This translates to only 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, surpassing the international standard of 6.9 bags according to SITA.
Future Expansion and Ambitious Projections
The CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, emphasized that the 2024 results exceeded forecasts by nearly 200,000 passengers. He also expressed confidence in reaching 100 million annual passengers by 2027, thanks to an ambitious $35 billion expansion plan for Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
“This mega-project will allow us to redefine the concept of travel, integrating the best of 21st-century airport design and our accumulated experience from serving over 700 million passengers in the last decade,” Griffiths stated.
Commitment to Operational Excellence
Since 2014, DXB has led the ACI ranking as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. During this period, it has welcomed over 700 million passengers on more than 3.3 million flights. According to Griffiths, the key to this success lies in the dedication of the oneDXB team and collaboration with strategic partners to deliver memorable experiences.
Looking to the Future
DXB is already poised for further growth in 2025 and beyond, driven by Dubai’s renowned winter season, large-scale global events, and ongoing infrastructure investments. The city’s vision of becoming a global bridge between markets and cultures continues to be the main driver of its evolution.
The 2024 record is just the beginning of new goals for DXB, which remains firmly committed to offering exceptional experiences to millions of passengers, solidifying its position as the world’s most preferred and connected aviation hub.
Related Topics
LATAM Announces New Direct Route Between Lima and Florianópolis
GOL Inaugurates New Direct Route Between Recife and Cordoba
JetBlue Resumes Direct Flights from Fort Lauderdale to Philadelphia and Guayaquil
LATAM Bets on New and Renovated Lounges to Enhance Airports Experience
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial líder en América Latina.