Dubai International (DXB) is one of the busiest airports globally. The hub continues to maintain that position despite regional fluctuations. DXB recorded 46 million passengers in the first six months of 2025, marking its busiest first half on record.
This is an important announcement, especially for tourists who travel to Dubai, DXB breaking records despite temporary regional airspace disruptions in May and June highlights one key point: global passengers find the Dubai airport reliable.
In the second quarter of 2025 alone, Dubai International airport catered to the needs of 22.5 million passengers, an increase of 3.1% compared to the same period in 2024. This progress reinforces Dubai’s tourism appeal and DXB’s role in connecting the Emirate to destinations across the globe.
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Dubai International’s first-half performance marks a significant milestone in our journey as the world’s leading international hub.
— HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) July 29, 2025
This success demonstrates our focus on delivering exceptional traveller experiences at every touchpoint. DXB’s performance despite regional… pic.twitter.com/y6P6CPkcQ2
Numbers do not lie! DXB scores high in performance and efficiency
January has been reported as the busiest month of the period, setting a fresh monthly record of 8.5 million passengers. The busy airport handled 222,000 total flights during the first half of the year. Efficiency at key guests touchpoints also remained high.
Great update for tourists in Dubai as in the first half of 2025:
- 99.2% of guests cleared departure passport control in less than 10 minutes
- 98.4% cleared arrivals in less than 15 minutes
- 98.7% of guests passed through security checks in less than 5 minutes
Isn’t it incredible?
India remained Dubai airport’s largest country market in the first half of the year at 5.9 million passengers. Saudi Arabia came next at 3.6 million, the UK at 3 million, Pakistan at 2.1 million and the US at 1.6 million passengers.
London remains the busiest city destination at 1.8 million guests. Riyadh comes next at 1.5 million, Mumbai at 1.2 million, Jeddah and Delhi at 1.1 million each and Istanbul at 982,000 passengers. These numbers underscore Dubai’s appeal among business and leisure guests.
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Second-half looks more promising for DXB and tourists in Dubai
Currently, Dubai International (DXB) is connected to more than 269 destinations in more than 107 countries across the globe. More than 92 international carriers are functioning at the airport. DXB could soon reach the magical number of 100 million passengers per year.
Explore more: best restaurants in Dubai Airport (DXB), spread across Terminals 1, 2, and 3 here
The second half of 2025 looks more promising for DXB and tourists in Dubai alike, as people can be part of:
1. Dubai Mallathon 2025
Throughout the month of August, shopping malls in Dubai are going to transform into organised indoor fitness tracks during morning hours. This experience is completely free of cost and participants can also find special deals at multiple retail outlets and restaurants.
2. Global Village Dubai
The iconic Global Village Dubai is expected to reopen for its 2025-26 season from the month of October until May next year. This is one of the highly anticipated family-friendly attractions in Dubai, making shopping and entertainment a seamless experience for all.
3. Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 is expected to take up a chunk of December and January. From electrifying entertainment to spectacular shopping, cultural experiences, high-octane action and memorable dining, DSF is the place to see and be seen in Dubai.
4. UNTOLD Dubai
This is an international musical fiesta. Hosted by Dubai Parks and Resorts, UNTOLD Festival Dubai is coming back from November 6 to 9. Tickets are already on sale. The Dubai edition is going to see a huge line-up of incredible artists perform on multiple stages.
5. Dubai Comedy Festival
One of the most anticipated annual events in the city, the Dubai Comedy Festival brings the best international comics from across the globe for 11 days of celebration. This year’s edition is happening from October 2 to 12, featuring Zakir Khan and Morgan Jay.
6. Asia Cup 2025
Yes! The continental cricket tournament is happening in the month of September at Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Asia Cup 2025 is expected to bring in a number of cricket fans from across the region to catch on to all the fun and check out their favourite players.
7. Christmas in Dubai
Christmas is an important period of celebration in Dubai and across the UAE. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and Christmas is celebrated in great joy and enthusiasm. You can find a number of hotels and restaurants releasing Christmas deals in Dubai soon.
The second half of Dubai is much more popular among tourists, compared to the first half. The cooler months start to approach, temperatures start to reduce and multiple establishments across the city release incredible deals and promotions.
Release of more Emirates flights from Dubai in 2025
One of our earlier articles discussed the symbiotic relationship Dubai and Emirates share. The Dubai airport’s Terminal 3 is home to Emirates, one of the largest international carriers. In 2025, the airline has started flights on multiple fresh routes.
- Emirates to fly 3 times per day from Dubai to Mauritius from December 1
- Emirates to operate a third daily flight to Dublin from October 26
- Emirates added a second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh City earlier this year
- Emirates connects Dubai to Sri Lanka better
- Daily adds fourth daily flight to Johannesburg
- Emirates connects DXB to Ethiopia better
- Emirates adds second daily flight to Beirut in February
- Emirates A350 flying daily to Mumbai and Ahmedabad
- Emirates starts daily flights to Shenzhen from July 1
- Emirates A350 connects Dubai to Amman
This is not the complete list, of course. There are plenty more routes announced in 2025 and many more expected to be announced in the near future. These flights are certainly adding to the increasing passenger numbers at DXB.
1 AED