Dubai International Airport welcomed 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, down 31.3% compared with the same period of 2025, as regional airspace restrictions continued to affect air traffic.
Passenger numbers in the second quarter reached 13 million, with monthly traffic gradually improving from 3.5 million passengers in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June, according to a post on the website of the Dubai Media Office.
The airport recorded 150,600 flight movements in the first six months of the year, down 32.1% year on year, including 62,500 in the second quarter.
By the end of June, Dubai International was served by 50 international airlines, connecting Dubai to 217 destinations in 99 countries, with load factors improving as operational capacity returned and international air connectivity expanded.
Air cargo volumes reached 751,340 tonnes in the first half, down 28.7% year on year, including 351,716 tonnes in the second quarter.
The airport also handled 30.3 million bags in the first half, down 28% on the same period last year, including 12.7 million bags in the second quarter. The mishandled baggage rate stood at 2.7 bags per 1,000 passengers, compared with a global rate of around 4.9 bags per 1,000 passengers.
On travel procedures, 98.98% of passengers completed departure passport control in under 10 minutes, 98.95% completed arrival procedures in under 15 minutes, and 99.34% passed through security screening in under 5 minutes.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said demand has returned at an accelerating pace with the gradual recovery of operational capacity, noting the importance of international transit traffic to Dubai International's performance.
Dubai Airports continues to implement a development program covering passenger facilities, departure areas, self-service options, biometric systems and smart operational capabilities, with the aim of increasing capacity and improving passenger flow.
Dubai Airports expects a stronger improvement in the second half of 2026, supported by the recovery of airline networks, more scheduled flights, international transit traffic, the winter season and events hosted by the emirate.
To view the post on the Dubai Media Office website, click here.
