DXB reports 31.5m passengers in H1 2026, forecasts 70m for full year

Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers in the first six months of 2026, with monthly traffic rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May, 5 million in June and 6.3 million in July, according to Dubai Airports. The operator forecasts 70 million passengers for the full year as airline capacity and connectivity expand.

H1 2026 traffic and monthly progression#

Passenger volumes increased through the second quarter of 2026, reaching 5 million in June before climbing to 6.3 million in July, a 26 percent increase from the June figure. The first half total of 31.5 million passengers reflected strengthening demand as airline capacity returned following operational constraints. Regional airspace limitations continued to affect traffic during the period, according to Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, speaking at the Government of Dubai Media Office's International Media Briefing series in September 2026. Airline capacity at DXB stood at 84 percent of previous levels as of the briefing date, while passenger volumes reached 78 percent of prior benchmarks.

Full year forecast and capacity outlook#

Dubai Airports expects DXB to handle approximately 70 million passengers in 2026, driven by rising airline capacity and expanding connectivity across the airport's network of more than 260 destinations on six continents. Current airline schedules show carriers yet to resume operations are expected to return by the start of the winter season, according to Griffiths. The airport welcomed 95.2 million passengers in 2025, when it was named the world's busiest international airport for the 12th consecutive year. Dubai Airports projects DXB will reach 100 million annual passengers by the end of 2027 as capacity and demand continue to grow.

Cumulative milestone and network scale#

DXB has handled 1.5 billion passengers since opening in 1960, achieving double-digit average annual growth over the period. The airport connects more than 260 destinations across six continents and serves as the operating base for multiple carriers. Dubai Airports disclosed the cumulative passenger milestone earlier in 2026, alongside the 2025 full year traffic figure of 95.2 million. The operator continues to invest in facility enhancements, including a consolidated remote departures experience, expanded self-service options, biometric systems and operational capabilities.

Capacity recovery and carrier schedules#

Airline capacity at DXB reached 84 percent of previous levels as of September 2026, with passenger volumes at 78 percent of prior benchmarks, according to Griffiths. Most carriers yet to resume operations are expected to return by the start of the winter season, providing additional capacity. The July 2026 traffic figure of 6.3 million passengers represented a 26 percent increase from the June total of 5 million, reflecting the pace of recovery. Regional airspace constraints continued to influence traffic patterns during the first half of 2026, though demand strengthened through the second quarter.