Dubai International (DXB) is on track for record-breaking annual traffic, following an impressive performance in the first nine months of the year. By the end of September, DXB had welcomed 68.6 million guests, laying a solid foundation for the typically high-traffic final quarter – a milestone made possible by the collective efforts of colleagues and partners who work tirelessly to maintain the airport’s leadership status. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “This year has highlighted the very best of DXB — showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, qualities that have become synonymous with the airport. At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and robust operational performance, keeping us at the top for over a decade. DXB continues to be our core focus, with ongoing investment in customer service and technological advancements, to ensure our success in delivering a superior hospitality experience. “What’s particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic than ever before — a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated. This reflects Dubai’s evolution into not just a premier tourist destination, but also a globally attractive place to live, work, and do business, further underscored by the city’s booming real estate market and its rising appeal as a destination for top talent. We’re focused on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience in the final quarter, buoyed by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and renowned attractions.” The momentum from the first half of 2024 carried into Q3, during which DXB managed 23.7 million guests, significantly contributing to the year-to-date total of 68.6 million — a growth of 6.3% compared …
Read More »DXB sets record with 44.9 million guests in first half
Dubai International (DXB) has raised the bar on its contribution to Dubai’s economy by welcoming a record 44.9 million guests during the first six months of this year. Marking an 8% year-on-year increase in guests, DXB has established its position as a globally preferred gateway, boosted by strong connectivity with key international markets, while reaffirming its central role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth. Dubai attracted 9.31 million international visitors in H1 2024, reflecting its burgeoning appeal as a global hub for talent, enterprises, and investors. These figures, recently released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, tie in closely with the growth of Dubai’s GDP, which reached AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, up 3.2% from the previous year. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented, “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world, and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest. Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China, have been instrumental in our success. We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024.” The size and significance of DXB’s established and growing markets including South Asia, Western Europe, the GCC, and East Asia has played a crucial role in the airport’s continued success. In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top …
Read More »DXB expects 914,000 guests to fly out this week, 6th to 17th July
Dubai International (DXB) is gearing up for a significant increase in traffic this week (6- 17th July) 914,000 guests are expected to fly out of DXB, underscoring the airport’s robust growth this year. The peak of this travel surge will occur over the weekend of July 12-14, when DXB is ready to welcome 840,000 guests, marking the busiest weekend during this period. July 13 is projected to be the single busiest day, with an estimated 286,000 guests passing through DXB. On average, the airport will handle approximately 274,000 guests daily during this peak period. Total anticipated number of guests are 3.3 million arriving and departing through its terminals. DXB advises all travellers to allow extra time for check-in, security screening, and boarding processes to ensure a smooth journey. Dubai Airports is committed to delivering a consistently exceptional travel experience and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our guests during this exceptionally busy travel season. Tips • Emirates passengers can take advantage of the airline’s convenient home, early and self-check-in facilities, including city check-in options. • flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure. • Guests flying with other airlines should aim to arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before their scheduled departure time, utilising online check-in where available to save time. • Familiarise yourself with your airline’s baggage allowance and packing regulations. Avoid last-minute surprises by checking in advance. • Save time at security screening by being prepared. Place metal items— watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins, belt— in your hand luggage and follow the directed guidelines for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels. • Families with children over 12 can expedite the passport control process …
Read More »Dubai Airports back to normal operations
After the heaviest rainfall the UAE experienced in 75 years Dubai Airports is making remarkable strides in restoring and normalising operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said since yesterday, ahead of its recovery schedule, DXB returned to its normal flight schedule and is back to operating around 1,400 flight movements a day. “With roads in and around the airport 100% clear of water accumulation, our manpower, logistics and facilities are operating as usual again. To have the airport back up and running is no small feat. 2,155 flights were cancelled and 115 were diverted. We had to work closely with our airline partners and service providers to rework schedules, boost manpower and look after all those who had been disrupted. “I’m continuously amazed with the unwavering dedication of our Dubai Airports employees, airline partners, government agencies, commercial partners and service partners. It has been the most challenging adverse weather event we’ve had to navigate, and our people and partners worked tirelessly to keep the operation running and to assist our guests.” 31 flights were diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC) and by 19 April, all guests at the airport were successfully supported and continued onwards to complete their travel plans. Guest welfare remained a key priority throughout the disruption and although there were initial challenges in transporting supplies with road closures around DXB and DWC, over 75,000 food packs were delivered across both airports. “While certain challenges remain, including processing the baggage backlog, we’re working closely with our service partners but know there’s still more work to be done and once again thank guests for their patience while we work through this,” added Mr. Griffiths. “We’re …
Read More »Dubai Airports and Dubai Autism Centre plant sunflowers for World Autism Day
Dubai Airports and Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) joined hands to mark World Autism Day with a special sunflower planting ceremony. The event, held at DAC’s gardens, aimed to raise awareness about autism and highlight Dubai Airports ongoing efforts, together with its strategic partners, to create a smooth and accessible travel experience for all guests travelling through Dubai International (DXB). This initiative also underscores their support for Dubai’s journey towards becoming an Autism-friendly destination. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: “We’re committed to creating an inclusive journey for every single guest, because we recognise that we all experience the world differently. Through dedicated routes, the ongoing development of new products and services, and our collaboration with Dubai Autism Centre, we’re actively working to shape a more accessible and welcoming airport experience for all”. Al Joker added: “This initiative aligns with Dubai Airports’ dedication to supporting UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, which aim to establish the Emirate as the world’s leading disability-friendly city”. DXB has implemented a range of initiatives for People of Determination with visible and non-visible disabilities. These initiatives include a pre-travel planner and a dedicated accessible route through the airport. This prioritised route facilitates a smoother journey through check-in, passport control, security checkpoint, and boarding for guests wearing the internationally recognised sunflower lanyard. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, said: “We would like to thank Dubai Airports for joining our kids in a special sunflower planting event to mark World Autism Day. Planting sunflowers goes beyond raising awareness for autism; it’s a powerful symbol of our collective effort to build an inclusive community that embraces and empowers individuals with autism.” …
Read More »DXB smashes targets with 87 million guests in 2023, rising 31.7% from previous year
Dubai International (DXB) has concluded a record-breaking year of achievements and extraordinary growth by welcoming 87 million guests in annual traffic in 2023, surpassing not only Dubai Airports’ own yearly forecast but also pre-pandemic levels of traffic. This remarkable performance marks the successful and ahead-of-time completion of DXB’s recovery journey, further solidifying its position as the world’s leading airport for international passenger traffic. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “DXB’s spectacular performance in 2023 is a resounding testament to the visionary leadership and determination of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve growth and excellence across sectors, surmounting all challenges along the way. This exceptional performance underscores Dubai’s emergence as the world’s most popular tourism destination and its pivotal role in global commerce and trade, facilitated by the unmatched connectivity, aviation capacity and logistics infrastructure that has been built steadily over the years under His Highness’s leadership.” “Dubai is setting new benchmarks in passenger experience with excellence levels and innovative technologies that constantly redefine airport services. Consistent with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business over the next decade, the city continues to grow rapidly as a global aviation hub and the world’s preferred gateway for international travellers. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to further enhancing Dubai’s leading position on the global stage.” His Highness noted that Dubai Airports, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al …
Read More »DXB marks a milestone in Dubai’s accessibility ambition by becoming the first international airport to receive Certified Autism Centre Designation
Dubai International (DXB) marked a historic milestone by becoming the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement highlights Dubai Airports’ unwavering commitment to elevating the travel experience and making it easier for persons with disabilities while also supporting Dubai’s pursuit of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said: “On behalf of our entire DXB community, we are incredibly proud of this achievement and recognition. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive travel experience for all our guests – including those with hidden disabilities – has been recognised. In line with UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 for the Emirate to be the world’s leading disability-friendly city, we’re dedicated to promoting the inclusion of all guests and creating an airport environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. It’s an honour to work closely with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and IBCCES team to address challenges in this area.” He added: “Our success in this endeavour is a result of collaborative efforts with our strategic partners in the airport community, including government entities, airlines and service partners, to deliver a seamless experience for all our guests from kerb to boarding gate.” Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager at Dubai College of Tourism, commented: “The road to a fully accessible destination is reliant on the continued support of our stakeholders and partners, who contribute to enriching the visitor experience from their moment of arrival in the city until their departure. Dubai International Airport is the first touchpoint in the traveller journey, …
Read More »DXB welcomed 41.6m guests in H1, exceeding 2019 figures
Dubai International (DXB) celebrates a significant milestone in its recovery with passenger traffic for the first half of the year surpassing 2019 levels. The world’s busiest international hub welcomed 41.6m guests in H1, just over 100%, compared to the traffic recorded during the first six months of 2019. DXB registered a robust performance throughout the second quarter, during which passenger traffic surged by 42.7% year on year to reach 20.3m. May was the busiest month during Q2 with 6.9m guests. Propelled by a strong Q2, DXB’s H1 traffic totalled 41.6m guests, up 49.1% compared to 27.9m recorded in H1 2022. “It’s been a rewarding first half for Dubai International and amidst increasing guest numbers, we take great pride in knowing we are continuously delivering with operational excellence and providing an exemplary guest experience. Our dedicated team go above and beyond to create a personalised and seamless experience for every guest. Recent stories of our team delivering a unique guest experience at DXB include communicating with a guest with a hidden disability using a translator tool, working with our stakeholders to locate a lost passport minutes before the guest’s flight was due to depart, helping a guest recover his lost wallet from his hotel after he cleared immigration and even reuniting a little boy in the U.K with his beloved stuffed bunny after he had been left behind at DXB . As we recover with our H1 traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. DXB’s baggage performance continues to be world-leading, and in H1 2023, baggage volume increased by …
Read More »DXB expects 3.3 million travellers over the next 13 days
DXB is getting ready to welcome 3.3 million travellers over the next 13-day period. With average daily traffic reaching 258,000 guests, August 26 and 27 are expected to be the busiest with culminated traffic of over half a million guests. Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a seamless airport journey for guests. Here are DXB’s top tips for arriving guests: Travellers between the ages of 4 and 12 can use dedicated passport control counters to independently stamp their passports upon arrival at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 For those travelling with families, travellers over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process Make the most of the DXB experience with various amenities in lounges, dining and shopping outlets, and duty-free The road through the airport could get busy during peak times. If possible, use the Dubai Metro, which has stations at DXB Terminals 1 and 3 DXB offers a range of other transportation choices — hail an Uber, Careem, RTA Taxi, or rent a car Those picking up guests should use DXB’s designated car parks or valet services to receive their guests in comfort. Access to the Arrivals’ forecourts in Terminal 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles only. Once in Dubai, visitors and returning residents can discover the beautiful Emirate through the city’s diverse attractions, cultural exhibitions, live performances, tailored family experiences and more.
Read More »Dubai Airports welcomes first Air Canada flight at DXB Terminal 3
Dubai Airports welcomed Air Canada’s first inbound flight at Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 on July 26, making it the fourth international airline to operate out of the terminal. Air Canada flight AC056 from Toronto, arrived at its new base, one of the largest airport terminals in the world, at 18:56 UAE time on Wednesday. Air Canada flights previously operated from DXB Terminal 1. The move to DXB Terminal 3 strengthens the long-standing partnership between Dubai Airports and Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and the country’s flag carrier. At Terminal 3, passengers will experience seamless connectivity and world-class services, underpinned by DXB’s dedication to enhance guest experience and satisfaction. Canada is an important destination for DXB, with 14 weekly flights to Toronto and 7 weekly flights to Montréal, serving over 345,000 passengers in 2022.
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