Preliminary figures indicate that the 2024 global total passengers are close to 9.5 billion. This represents an increase of 9% from the year before and a gain of 3.8% from pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. Is Dubai International on the list of busiest airports?
Yes, it is almost a no-brainer to predict this. In terms of passenger numbers, Dubai International (DXB) secured the second position in 2024, the same ranking as in 2023. The airport recorded more than 92 million passengers last year, in a 6.1% change compared to 2023.
The top 10 busiest airports represent 9% of global traffic. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) defends its top position at more than 108 million passengers. Shanghai Pudong International is at the 10th spot, climbing from 21st in 2023.
In terms of international passengers, Dubai International (DXB) is at the top of the list. London (LHR), Incheon (ICN), Singapore (SIN), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt (FRA), Hong Kong (HKG) and Doha (DOH) occupy the remaining spots in top 10.
Top 10 busiest airports by international passengers
| 2024 rank | 2023 rank | Name of airport | 2024 passenger numbers | % change compared to 2023 |
| 1 | 1 | Dubai, UAE (DXB) | 92,331,506 | 6.1 |
| 2 | 2 | London, UK (LHR) | 79,194,330 | 5.7 |
| 3 | 7 | Incheon, Korea (ICN) | 70,669,246 | 26.7 |
| 4 | 5 | Singapore, Singapore (SIN) | 67,063,000 | 14.8 |
| 5 | 3 | Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) | 66,822,849 | 8 |
| 6 | 4 | Paris, France (CDG) | 64,469,356 | 5 |
| 7 | 6 | Istanbul, Turkey (IST) | 62,975,429 | 8.1 |
| 8 | 8 | Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) | 56,185,219 | 3.9 |
| 9 | 12 | Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG) | 52,949,047 | 34.4 |
| 10 | 9 | Doha, Qatar (DOH) | 52,714,976 | 14.8 |
Planning a trip? Explore top facilities at Dubai International
Dubai International has been one of the busiest airports for quite a long time. DXB handles more than 90 million passengers annually and a substantial quantity of cargo, too. There are three terminals at the airport that handle different airlines.
In 2025, global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.9 billion and DXB is again expected to occupy the top spot as far as international passengers are concerned. For a detailed guide to Dubai airport for transit passengers, go through this article.
1. Visit Dubai
Visit Dubai is one of the top platforms offering the latest information on all things tourism-related. This platform has it all a tourist needs to make their trip to Dubai as memorable as possible. There is a dedicated kiosk by Dubai Tourism at DXB.
Location:
Terminal 3: Arrivals
2. Jumeirah
Dubai has a long list of fascinating hotels. But choosing the right one might become tedious. Dubai International has a Jumeirah Lounge at Terminal 3, Arrivals or Jumeirah kiosk at Terminal 1, Arrivals – offering bookings for Dubai stay at Jumeirah Group properties.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals
3. Planet Payment
Tourists aged 18 and more can claim back Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods purchased in Dubai. There is a simple procedure. You need a receipt bearing a Tax-Free Tag. Before check-in, make sure to validate your purchase at a Planet Payment kiosk in the Departures.
Location:
Terminal 1: Departures
Terminal 2: Departures
Terminal 3: Departures
4. Travelex
Travelex is a multi-currency exchange counter offering passengers the currency they need before boarding their flight. Currency exchange is an important part at Dubai International Airport and Travelex plays a key role in it.
Location:
Terminal 1
– Terminal, Concourse D, T1 – Arrivals, Terminal 1 – Departures
Terminal 3
– Concourse B, Concourse A, Terminal 3 – Arrivals, Concourse C
5. One and Only
Dubai is one of the most happening places globally. The hotel scene here is quite favourable. But as the number of options rises, things could be confusing. Dubai International Airport has a One and Only kiosk in Terminal 1, Arrivals. You can book your stay at great resorts.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals
Terminal 3: Arrivals
6. Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD Bank PJSC is one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East region in terms of assets. At Dubai International Airport (DXB), you can enjoy ATM banking services for cash withdrawals/deposits in a seamless manner.
Location:
Terminal 3: Departures
7. Showers
Travelling is fun. But the constant shift from one place to another can get things a bit messy, literally. There are free shower facilities at Dubai International in Terminal 3. You can find them between gates B13 and B19. They are also available at the spa near Gate A1.
Location:
Terminal 3: A Gates and B Gates
8. dnata assisted passenger
This is one of the most important facilities at Dubai International. dnata assisted passenger is for guests requiring some extra support, including unaccompanied minors and those facing reduced mobility. The staff is trained to provide adequate assistance to all.
Location:
Terminal 1: Concourse D, T1 – Departures
Terminal 3: Departures
9. Thrifty
Headquartered in the US, Thrifty is a popular car rental company hosting offices in many countries across the globe, such as the UAE. Thrifty at Dubai International Airport has an array of vehicles ideal for both business and holiday journeys.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals, A2 Parking – Rental Car Delivery
Terminal 2: Arrivals: Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals
10. Kitmytrip
Kitmytrip has got it all. This can be your one-stop shop at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to find and book your favourite Dubai tourist attractions, international SIM cards, tours, hotels and a lot more. ‘Dubai Touristor’ is a great package, make sure to check it out.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals – Exit area
11. Etisalat
Etisalat is a trusted name for millions. It is the largest telecommunication corporation in the GCC; imagine the scale of business. You can find Etisalat at DXB for postpaid and prepaid plans, data and voice minutes and discounts on attractions and restaurants.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Near door exit
Terminal 2: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals
12. Emergency and Medical
Dubai International (DXB) has great medical facilities and response teams operating round-the-clock. If you fall sick, the Guest Experience Ambassadors can direct you to the nearest medical centre. In case of emergencies, please call +971 45045000.
Location:
Terminal 1: Concourse D, Departures
Terminal 2: Departures
Terminal 3: Concourse A, Concourse B, T3 – Arrivals, Departures
13. Baby care rooms
In addition to 24/7 medical facilities at DXB, you can also find dedicated baby care rooms. These facilities can make your experience smoother. They help you attend to your baby in privacy. You can ask the Guest Experience Ambassadors for the closest one near you.
Location:
Terminal 1: Departures
Terminal 2: Departures
Terminal 3: Departures
14. Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is one of the first truly digital mobile brands globally. Virgin Mobile UAE can take your travel experience to a level higher. It offers a ready-to-use SIM in less than an hour and also lets passengers build customised value-packed plans based on their preferences.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 2: Arrivals
Terminal 3: Arrivals – Exit area
15. dnata visa services
The dnata section at DXB has a dedicated visa team offering visa guidance and support in addition to outbound visas, UAE inbound visas, document collection, appointment scheduling, e-visas and full end-to-end service biometric processing for 13 countries.
Location:
Terminal 1: Departures
Terminal 2
16. Sixt
Sixt takes the car hire scene a level higher. Sixt offers an elaborate selection of vehicles to meet diverse business or leisure travel needs. Pre-booking is necessary. For Terminal 2 passengers, they can find this facility in the Car Rental Lounge.
Location:
Terminal 1: A2 Parking – Rental Car Delivery, Arrivals
Terminal 2: Car Rental Lounge
Terminal 3: Arrivals
17. Atlantis
Planning a trip to Dubai and not stumbling upon the name ‘Atlantis’ in itinerary discussions or bookings. This is not possible. Visit the Atlantis kiosk in Terminal 1, Arrivals to book your stay at the amazing resort. This is a great opportunity to explore the luxurious side of Dubai.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals – Exit area
18. du
du is one of the UAE’s most significant telecommunication operators. This company offers a great selection of connectivity solutions that cater to every need. In an interesting move, du also offers free tourist SIMs at immigration counters. So make sure to check this section out.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Near door exit
Terminal 2: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals – Exit area
19. Europcar Car Rental
Car rental is a useful facility in any country. Europcar Car Rental offers many different car options to suit all business and leisure needs. Pre-booking is required. You can call on these numbers : T1: 45063055, T2: 528010810, T3: 0528010810.
Location:
Terminal 1: Arrivals – Exit area
Terminal 3: Arrivals
20. Emirates Ticketing
Emirates ticketing counter is located in Terminal 1 Departures lobby. You can manage your existing airline ticket or purchase a fresh ticket. Emirates is one of the largest international airlines and offers unparalleled travel experiences.
Location:
Terminal 1: Departures
Terminal 3: Departures
Dubai International: Frequently asked questions
1. Do check-in counters at DXB open at a designated time?
Check-in counters at Dubai International open approximately three hours before the scheduled departure time. You can ask the airline for specific times.
2. Is it possible to pick and drop guests from/at the airport?
Dubai International does not have a pick-up area at Arrivals. Please use the car park facility. But there are designated drop-off areas, located near the terminal entrances. They have a time limit for parking, though.
3. Should I be at the airport at most one hour before my flight departure?
It is recommended to reach the airport at least three hours before your flight departure in order to ensure that you get enough time for all procedures.
4. Is there a maximum amount of cash to exit Dubai?
Upon departure from Dubai International, you need to declare amounts more than Dh100,000 or its equivalent in other currencies and traveller’s cheques.
5. Can I park for free at Dubai International Airport?
Parking fees apply at DXB. They are based on terminal and parking zone type.
6. If I’m in transit, can I exit the airport to meet friends outside the airport?
Certain nationalities can get a visa on arrival if the transit time is more than 8 hours. But it is recommended to get things confirmed from the airline and immigration.
7. Is there something I need to understand about flight status, cancellation and delays?
You can check the information on the terminal your flight departs from on the ticket, the official dubaiairports.ae platform and the airline itself. If your flight gets delayed or cancelled, your airline can bring you all the details on rebooking options.
8. Can I renew my passport at the airport?
Only UAE nationals are permitted to renew their passport at the Immigration Centre at DXB located at Terminal 3, Arrivals area.
9. Is there a process to book a buggy at Dubai International (DXB)?
Buggy service at Dubai International is subject to availability. It also needs to be booked by the airline or the service provider. Nonetheless, this Dubai airports offers a free TaxiDXB service in Terminal 3, Concourses B and C.
10. Can I bring medications in my carry-on baggage?
You can bring medications in your carry-on baggage at the time of departing and transiting. It is recommended to carry these items in their original packaging in addition to a prescription. If arriving in the UAE, certain medications are not permitted without prior approval.
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