Dubai International Airport soared above pre-pandemic figures, handling a remarkable 87 million passengers throughout 2023, marking a substantial 32 percent year-on-year increase. The surge in fourth-quarter traffic was particularly notable, bolstered by events such as COP28 and year-end festivities.
In a tweet on Monday, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, lauded this exceptional performance, emphasizing Dubai’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in global aviation.
This achievement surpasses the airport’s 2019 pre-COVID passenger volume of 86.3 million, signaling a robust recovery. Projections for 2024 suggest further growth, with an estimated 88.8 million passengers expected, inching closer to the all-time high set in 2018 at 89.1 million.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, attributed this success to the airport’s unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and delivering an exemplary guest experience. He highlighted the record-breaking 416,415 flight movements in 2023, underscoring the airport’s operational prowess.
December emerged as the busiest month of the fourth quarter, with 7.8 million passengers. The October to December period witnessed a year-on-year growth of 13.8 percent, totaling 22.4 million guests.
India secured the top spot among destination countries, with 11.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia and the UK. London retained its position as the top destination city, with 3.7 million passengers passing through Dubai International Airport.
With DXB currently connected to 262 destinations in 104 countries through 102 international carriers, Dubai continues to solidify its status as a premier global aviation hub, catering to the evolving needs of international travelers.