Dubai Worldwide (DXB), the world’s busiest worldwide airport, noticed a robust begin to 2025, welcoming 23.4 million passengers within the first quarter—up 1.5 per cent year-on-year. The visitors surge was led by India, which contributed 3 million passengers, adopted by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000).January alone marked a record-breaking month, with 8.5 million travellers passing via the airport, the best month-to-month determine in DXB’s historical past. The efficiency coincided with seasonal peaks, together with Eid holidays and spring journey demand, in addition to elevated visitors to rising locations just like the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and Spain.
London, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and New Delhi topped the checklist of city-pairs, with Mumbai (615,000) and New Delhi (564,000) additional highlighting India’s central function in DXB’s worldwide community.
Regardless of the rise in passenger numbers, DXB registered a minor contraction of three.6 per cent in cargo volumes, dealing with 517,000 tonnes in the identical interval. Nonetheless, flight operations remained strong with 111,000 actions—up 1.9 per cent from Q1 2024—and a median load of 215 passengers per flight.
Operational precision remained a spotlight, with over 21 million baggage processed and a baggage mishandling price of fewer than 1.95 per 1,000 passengers. Using biometric passport control and real-time monitoring ensured that greater than 95 per cent of travellers skilled minimal wait occasions. Accessibility additionally noticed continued funding, with enhanced providers for visitors with disabilities.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, mentioned, “Our Q1 efficiency units a robust basis for the yr forward, not solely in visitor numbers, however within the calibre of the individuals behind them… This shared tradition of collaboration and consistency is what elevates our efficiency.”
Worker engagement continues to underpin operations. The airport earned the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award in Q1, acknowledging sustained deal with workforce wellbeing and management.
