Dubai International (DXB) Rules Top 10 World’s Busiest Airports November 2025 List

The list of World’s Busiest Airports November 2025 has just been released by OAG – and things are quite different from last year. You are correct if you expected Dubai International Airport (DXB) to be at the top of the list. This Middle Eastern hub has beat Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International to claim the coveted position, climbing from its second ranking in the same month last year. Isn’t it incredible?

But not that surprising. Home to some of the most reputable airlines, Emirates and flydubai, Dubai International (DXB) is ruling both the Busiest Global Airports and the Busiest International Airports in November 2025 lists by seats. This update is especially important as DXB does not handle domestic flights and the Busiest Global Airports list counts both domestic and international capacity. In terms of the Busiest European Airport this month, Turkey’s Istanbul Airport has gained the top spot on the list as the place continues to fascinate tourists from across the globe to explore, indulge and make memories that last a lifetime.

November is typically a pretty busy month for Dubai. This month, the bustling Dubai International (DXB) handled 5.29 million seats, compared to 5.12 million in Atlanta. There is another Middle Eastern airport that has performed great on the Busiest International Airports for November 2025 list. That’s Doha in Qatar, handling a sizeable 2.74 million seats and climbing up to the tenth position from 11th in the same month last year.

Top 10 Busiest Global Airports November 2025

Presented by OAG, the Busiest Global Airports November 2025 list takes into consideration both domestic and international capacities. This month, DXB handled 5.29 million seats, a 5% increase year-on-year. There are a couple of airports from China, Guangzhou Baiyun and Shanghai Pudong airports – considerably supported by domestic demand and international boost after the pandemic. Japan’s Tokyo Haneda ranks third on the list, recording a slight 1% decline compared to the same period last year. The bustling London Heathrow occupied the fifth position, rising modestly by 2% to 4.19 million seats. Delhi and Istanbul recorded strong performances this month, recording YOY progress of 9% and 8%, respectively.

The fact that the airport in Dubai is occupying the top position on the list of Busiest Global Airports November 2025 is incredibly special as this hub doesn’t handle domestic flights. Popular international airlines, such as Emirates and flydubai, are also expanding on their footprint in different countries, further adding to DXB’s glory.

Top 10 Busiest International Airports in November 2025

Calculated on the basis of international frequencies only, the Top 10 Busiest International Airports November 2025 by OAG has Dubai International (DXB) at the top, again. Isn’t it incredible? But it is certainly not surprising. The airport is handling the same number of seats this month as in the Busiest Global Airports list, considering DXB doesn’t handle domestic flights. DXB had the same rank last November 2024, too.

London Heathrow is occupying the second position, up 2% YOY in terms of seats handled. Singapore Changi noticed a slight 1% decline from last year. Istanbul and Amsterdam are climbing higher in the game, rising 8% and 4%, respectively. Hong Kong International Airport is nothing the strongest progress in the top 10, up 10% YOY to 3.18 million seats. Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt are performing decent. Doha in Qatar has entered the Top 10 Busiest International Airports list this November 2025, compared to its 11th position in November 2024. The airport recorded a 7% increase.

Main factors behind DXB on World’s Busiest Airports November 2025 list

The aforementioned data for the Busiest Global Airports and Busiest International Airports for November 2025 are based on scheduled capacity in the current month and compared to the equivalent month in 2024. These rankings are updated on a monthly basis. The main reasons behind these airports occupying the top positions on the lists are because of their capacity, prime location, large-scale infrastructure, hub airlines and strong pull.

These factors hold true for Dubai International Airport (DXB). There is a huge possibility of DXB recording the magic number of 100 million passengers annually in the near future. This means the airport is on the right track. Prominent airlines like Emirates and flydubai are adding to the airport’s progress as these carriers also expand their fleets and international footprint. Despite geopolitical fluctuations, DXB remains one of the most streamlined airports globally. It has an integrated airport-airline ecosystem, contributing to the coveted numbers. In contrast, some other major airports across the globe have been noticing a great number of staff shortages and air traffic issues in the recent months.

Dubai’s tourism pull should also be taken into consideration. This Emirate is one of the busiest and most happening places today. Not just in the cooler months of November to February, the other nine months of the year are also starting to feel like a bliss in Dubai. You can explore different indoor and outdoor attractions in Dubai all year round. There are top hotels in Dubai, selling incredible staycation deals. Top Michelin star restaurants in Dubai offer the best cuisines in their most authentic style. There are top beach clubs and magnificent parties to attend to. In the near future, Dubai is only going to shine brighter than it is currently.