United Arab Emirates: Dubai International Airport handled 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025, marking its busiest six-month period on record despite regional airspace disruptions and global headwinds.

In a press release, operator Dubai Airports said the 2.3 percent year-on-year increase underscores the continued strength of the emirate’s aviation sector and the terminal’s operational resilience.

The growth came despite temporary airspace restrictions in May and June, which forced several Gulf carriers to reroute flights and adjust schedules due to heightened military activity and no-fly zone declarations in parts of the Middle East.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “DXB’s continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations, and the commitment of our airport community.”

In the second quarter alone, the airport handled 22.5 million passengers, a 3.1 percent increase over the same period last year. April was the busiest month of the quarter and the most active April on record, with 8 million travelers.

Average monthly traffic during the first half stood at 7.7 million passengers, with daily volumes averaging 254,000. January was the busiest month, setting a new monthly record with 8.5 million passengers.

DXB also handled 222,000 flights and processed 41.8 million bags in the first half, with 91 percent delivered within 45 minutes of arrival. The mishandled baggage rate stood at 2 bags per 1,000 passengers, well below the industry average of 6.3, the release added.

“As we enter the second half of the year, travel activity is expected to accelerate, beginning with the late-summer peak and leading into a winter season filled with high-profile events across entertainment, sport, and business,” said Griffiths.

He said the Dubai Airshow 2025 will be a standout event, poised to break previous records and highlight the bold vision driving the future of aviation and aerospace.

“Based on our performance to date and a positive outlook, we expect the annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, bringing us closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone,” added Griffiths.

India remained DXB’s top market in the first half of the year, with 5.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.6 million. The UK accounted for 3 million passengers, while Pakistan and the US recorded 2.1 million and 1.6 million, respectively.

London was the busiest city destination with 1.8 million passengers, followed by Riyadh, Mumbai, Jeddah, New Delhi, and Istanbul.

DXB also processed more than 1 million tonnes of cargo during the first half of 2025, a 0.1 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The airport is connected to more than 269 destinations in over 107 countries and is served by 92 international carriers.