Dubai International Airport (DXB), the busiest international airport in the world, has shattered records by welcoming 92 million passengers in 2024, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. This milestone, announced by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on the social media platform X, underscores the airport’s remarkable recovery from the pandemic and reinforces its standing as the world’s premier travel hub.
He said: “Dubai International Airport in 2024: The busiest international airport worldwide with 92 million passengers… 440,000 air movements… 106 airlines and flights to 272 cities in 107 countries around the world…
This achievement represents the highest-ever annual traffic in DXB's history, and it marks the 10th consecutive year that the airport has held the title of the world’s busiest airport.
Dubai International Airport: A Decade of Growth
Over the past decade, Dubai International Airport has handled over 700 million passengers, making it the busiest international airport, according to the Airports Council International. In 2024, the airport recorded 440,000 air movements, with 106 airlines connecting Dubai to 272 cities across 107 countries worldwide.
A Vision for the Future: AED 128 Billion Investment
Looking ahead, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that Dubai Airports will invest AED 128 billion (around $34.8 billion) over the next ten years to reshape the global aviation landscape in line with Emirati standards. This transformation is set to elevate Dubai’s status in the aviation sector, making it a leader in connectivity, efficiency, and modern travel experiences.
The Future of Dubai’s Aviation: Al Maktoum International Airport
To support future growth, Dubai is also expanding its second major airport, Al Maktoum International (Dubai World Central), with a massive $35 billion terminal project. When completed, this expansion will cover 27 square miles, feature five parallel runways, and have a capacity to handle 260 million passengers annually. The first phase of the expansion, set for completion in 2034, will allow the airport to manage 150 million passengers per year. As the expansion progresses, all operations from Dubai International Airport will shift to Al Maktoum International, with Emirates Airlines also moving to the new airport by 2034.
Dubai: The Airport of the World
Dubai is not just an airport hub, but “the airport of the world,” a place where global aviation meets world-class innovation. With this new investment, Dubai is set to remain at the forefront of the aviation sector, enhancing connectivity and services for travelers worldwide.
This ambitious plan and continuous growth reflect Dubai's commitment to shaping the future of global aviation, maintaining its leadership position, and providing a world-class travel experience for millions of passengers.
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