Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest hub for international travel, handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026—a 31.3 percent drop from the same period last year—as regional airspace disruptions hit schedules and capacity across the sector, according to a report by Gulf News.

Aircraft movements fell 32.1 percent to 150,600, while cargo throughput dropped 28.7 percent to 751,340 tonnes. Baggage volumes also declined 28 percent to 30.3 million pieces handled in the six-month period.

However, monthly passenger numbers showed steady improvement through the second quarter, rising from 3.5 million in April to 5 million in June as international carriers resumed operations.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the period had tested the aviation system but demonstrated its resilience, adding that demand was responding quickly as capacity returned—a trend especially significant for DXB given the large share of international transfer passengers using the hub.

Despite the disruption, DXB maintained an extensive network, with nearly 50 international airlines connecting the airport to 217 destinations in 99 countries by the end of H1. Service standards also held strong, with the report citing passport control and security clearance times among the fastest globally and a mishandled baggage rate well below the industry average.

Dubai Airports said it expects stronger momentum in the second half, driven by rebuilding airline networks, rising transfer traffic, the start of the winter schedule, and Dubai's calendar of business and sporting events.

Aviation analysts cited in the report said UAE passenger recovery is outpacing earlier expectations, with Dubai projected to finish 2026 close to 100 million passengers if no further major disruptions occur.

Source: Gulf News