Dubai International receives 68.6 million passengers in 9 months

Dubai International Airport achieved record growth in passenger numbers, receiving 68.6 million passengers during the first nine months of this year, an increase of 6.3% compared to the same period last year. The airport also recorded a strong performance in the third quarter of 2024, receiving 23.7 million. traveler.

The third quarter witnessed a growth in the number of flights, as the number of flights exceeded 111,300 flights, bringing the total number of flights (all operations) during the first nine months of the year to 327,700 flights, an increase of 6.4% on an annual basis.

The airport stated, in a statement yesterday, that its success in dealing with large numbers of passengers and flights smoothly is due to the dedication of the work team and strategic partners to provide a world-class travel experience, noting at the same time that the optimal use of advanced technologies, such as biometrics and tracking systems. Prompt travel plays a pivotal role in providing a smooth and comfortable journey for all travelers.

Global portal

Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, said: “This achievement is due to the tireless efforts made by the work team and strategic partners at Dubai International Airport, who strive to maintain the airport’s position as a leading global gateway.”

He added: “This year has proven Dubai International Airport’s ability to achieve continuous growth and adapt to challenges, while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in services. There is no doubt that our employees are the secret of our success. Thanks to their dedication and commitment, we were able to achieve record numbers in the number of passengers and maintain… Operational performance that has put us at the forefront for more than a decade.”

Griffiths continued: “Today we are witnessing an unprecedented increase in the number of direct flights, which represents an important shift in the pattern that prevailed in passenger movement, which was previously dependent on (transit) flights,” explaining that “this shift reflects the growing status of Dubai not only as a destination.” “As a leading tourist destination, but rather a global center for living, working and investing, this is clearly evident in the booming real estate market and the city’s increasing attractiveness to talent from all over the world.” He said: “As we enter the last quarter of the year, we are fully prepared to provide an exceptional travel experience to all our guests, supported by… “With Dubai’s winter events and its famous tourist attractions.”

Top destinations

Dubai International Airport stated, in its statement, that India maintained its lead in major markets, with a number of passengers reaching 8.9 million during the first nine months of this year, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in second place with 5.6 million guests, recording an increase of 15.2%, in While the United Kingdom received 4.6 million guests, an increase of 4.7% over the same period last year.

The number of passengers from Pakistan and the United States reached 3.4 million and 2.6 million passengers, respectively, while the number of passengers from Germany reached 2 million.

In terms of cities, London maintained its position as the most prominent destination with 2.9 million passengers, followed by Riyadh, which witnessed strong growth with 2.3 million passengers, an increase of 25.8%. Other major cities included Mumbai (1.8 million), Jeddah (1.7 million), New Delhi (1.6 million), and Istanbul (1.3 million).

Bags

During the first nine months of 2024, Dubai International Airport handled 60.1 million bags with high efficiency and an accuracy rate that was considered the best in the aviation sector, reaching 99.3%, as about 92% of arriving passengers’ bags were delivered within 45 minutes of the plane’s arrival at the runway.

These numbers highlight Dubai International Airport’s firm commitment to operational efficiency, and its ability to handle large traffic with high precision, while maintaining smooth operations and providing an exceptional travel experience.

Solid foundation

Dubai International Airport maintained its title as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the tenth year in a row, according to what Airports Council International (ACI) revealed earlier this year, and thanks to its strong performance and the expected increase in the number of passengers during the last quarter of the year, it is expected The total annual passenger traffic for the year 2024 will reach 91.9 million passengers, which is the highest number in the airport’s 64-year history.

This performance confirms the airport’s operational excellence and the increasing share of direct traffic, which reflects Dubai’s position as an attractive city for tourism, business and long-term living, as evidenced by its recent classification as the best city in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top five cities in the world in the “World Cities Index 2024.” .

Thanks to the solid foundations laid in 2024, Dubai International Airport is soaring towards new heights of success, based on the elements that enable it to maintain its leadership in the global aviation sector, continue to redefine the travel experience for passengers, and pave the way for further growth and innovation in the future.

Passenger traffic growth

Dubai International Airport expects to receive 23.2 million passengers in the last quarter of this year, a period that witnesses a peak in direct traffic, driven by the holiday season and the arrival of visitors to enjoy winter events in the UAE.

The percentage of direct traffic in the last quarter of the year is expected to reach about 60%, compared to 50% in the third quarter and 55% for the entire year.

Dubai International Airport is expected to see an increase in the number of passengers arriving from Western Europe, with the addition of 237,000 seats (compared to the third quarter), and the Commonwealth of Independent States region, with the addition of 301,000 seats, with support from local airlines and new airlines, including The Italian “ETA” and the German “Condor”, and two new airlines joined Al Maktoum International Airport – “Dubai World Central”, namely “Hainan” and “Druk Air”, as the latter launched a new flight line to Paro in western Bhutan.

. 91.9 million passengers are expected through Dubai International during 2024… which is the highest in the airport’s 64-year history.