Dubai International (DXB) has smashed global aviation records, by handling 92.3 million flyers in 2024, a quantity previously unheard of even in the history of an airport which has now held the title of the world’s busiest for ten years – a decade in which it has served over 700 million passengers.
The milestone was described by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, as “a monumental achievement”. It beats the airport’s previous annual record of 89.1 million passengers, set in 2018 before the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. December was the busiest month in the year and saw 8.2 million passengers choose to travel through or to the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
21st century airport design
Griffiths also noted that the 2024 results exceeded forecasts by almost 200,000 – something that he said lends confidence that the airport can reach its 100 million target by 2027. Behind that plan sits an expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), which will “accommodate this growth” and “incorporate the latest thinking in 21st Century airport design.”
The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, hailed the news as a “global success story” and said it “reflects the UAE’s ability to transform bold ambitions into reality. Consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, its record annual passenger traffic this year is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence that continues to shape the UAE’s progress.”
Towards 400 city connections
Part of the progress referred to is the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s targets of becoming one of the world’s top five logistics hubs and doubling foreign trade by expanding connections to 400 new cities globally.
The airport currently boasts connections to 272 destinations across 107 countries and is served by 106 international airlines. When it comes to business to business, It handled 2.2 million tonnes of cargo during 2024, up a colossal 20.5% year-on-year. Flight movements meanwhile increased by 5.7% in 2024 to reach 440,300, with a load factor of 78.1, a marginal growth of 0.3% for the year.
Just 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 guests
Echoing the words of his nephew, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the airport “continues to redefine what a world-class airport experience means, inspiring travellers and industries alike.”
It’s true that the airport’s service data is impressive. It handled 81.2 million bags in 2024, while maintaining an industry-leading success rate of 99.45%, a press release said. That equates to just 5.5 mishandled bags per 1,000 guests, which is comfortably below the international standard of 6.9 bags/1000 guests as reported by SITA. What’s more, despite the huge uptick in guest numbers across the year, 98.2% of people waited less than 10 minutes at departure passport control and 99.2% guests waited under five minutes at security – figures that other airports around the world must find enviable.