The total number of passengers traveling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) peaked in 2024, exceeding **** million. Although passenger traffic experienced a significant decline during the COVID-19 lockdown period, it has rebounded strongly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Dubai’s strategic position The UAE leverages its location between Europe, Africa, and Asia to serve as a global transit hub. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport in 2023, is home to Emirates Airlines, operator of the largest Airbus A380 fleet, and Flydubai, a key budget carrier. Dubai’s second airport, Dubai World Central (DWC), is undergoing a ** billion U.S. dollar expansion to become the world’s largest, aiming to accommodate approximately *** million passengers annually, nearly ***** times the capacity of Dubai International Airport. Eventually, DXB operations will transfer to DWC. Tourism a key pillar of the economy Tourism plays a significant role in the UAE contributing billions of dollars to its GDP each year. In 2023, the UAE led the MENA region in tourism receipts. Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract most visitors, fueling growth in luxury hospitality. To boost tourism, the UAE introduced the Abu Dhabi Pass, launched by Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. It offers a free eSIM, public transport access, and complimentary attraction entry, with extra services via a digital platform. As the sector expands, demand for a supporting skilled workforce is expected to rise.

In 2024, the number of passengers moving through Dubai International Airport totaled more than **** million. The number of passengers arriving at the airport was approximately ***** million that year.

United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Transit data was reported at 15,576.000 Person in Apr 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 36,686.000 Person for Mar 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Transit data is updated monthly, averaging 65,519.500 Person from Jan 2000 (Median) to Apr 2018, with 220 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 126,354.000 Person in Jan 2001 and a record low of 15,576.000 Person in Apr 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Transit data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport data was reported at 7,007,823.000 Person in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 7,197,866.000 Person for Sep 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport data is updated monthly, averaging 3,256,781.000 Person from Jan 1999 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 238 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,376,478.000 Person in Aug 2018 and a record low of 244,410.000 Person in Jan 1999. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

The forecasted number of passengers at Dubai international Airport (DXB) was to rise to ***** million people by 2020 - further manifesting Dubai international airports position as busiest airport worldwide.

  Passenger transport  

About ** different airlines approach Dubai international Airport in the regular scheduled passenger traffic service. With those airlines, about *** destinations worldwide can be reached via non-stop and direct flights.

In 2017, around ** million passengers arrived at Dubai International Airport. Approximately the same number departed from there as well. In that same year, 520 thousand passengers used Dubai International Airport to transfer to other connecting flights to reach their destination.

 Aircraft movements  

As of 2017, approximately *** thousand aircraft movements at Dubai International Airport had been recorded. A majority of about *** thousand were scheduled flights (******). Only **** thousand movements were non-scheduled flights, with an additional *** thousand specified as military aircraft flights. Furthermore, Dubai International Airport serves as an important logistical hub and entrepôt for freights. More than *** thousand tons of freight had been transferred at this airport in 2017.

 Airport shopping   

Dubai International Airport has established itself as an important shopping destination over the past few decades. Most of its sales revenue is generated from perfumes, closely followed by liquor.

Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly: Departure data was reported at 11,779.705 Person th in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,550.657 Person th for Jun 2018. Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly: Departure data is updated quarterly, averaging 6,647.000 Person th from Mar 2005 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,779.705 Person th in Sep 2018 and a record low of 2,835.000 Person th in Jun 2005. Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly: Departure data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Annual: Departure data was reported at 43,862,801.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 41,581,001.000 Person for 2016. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Annual: Departure data is updated yearly, averaging 16,594,249.000 Person from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2017, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 43,862,801.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 3,873,938.000 Person in 1997. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Annual: Departure data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

In 2024, airports in Dubai had the largest number of passenger departures in the United Arab Emirates at around **** million passengers. All emirates in the country saw an increase in the number of passenger departures over the previous year. The UAE recorded the lowest level of departures in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.

In 2024, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the United States had the most international air passenger traffic of any airport worldwide, with just over 108 million international passengers. Dubai International Airport followed with 92.3 million passengers, while Dallas Fort Worth International Airport rounded out the top three with 87.82 million.

United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Departure data was reported at 3,756,569.000 Person in Apr 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,960,602.000 Person for Mar 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Departure data is updated monthly, averaging 1,544,151.500 Person from Jan 1999 (Median) to Apr 2018, with 232 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,092,696.000 Person in Jul 2017 and a record low of 126,064.000 Person in Jan 1999. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Departure data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

In 2024, India was the leading destination for passenger arrivals at airports in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, with around **** million passengers. In comparison, approximately *** thousand arrivals at Dubai airports had Kuwait as their destination in the same year.

In 2024, the total number of passengers at Al Maktoum International Airport in the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was approximately *** thousand. That was an increase from the previous year, when around *** thousand passengers traveled through the airport.

The leading destination for flight departures from Dubai airports in the United Arab Emirates in 2024 was India, with around *** million departing passengers traveling to India. In comparison, approximately *** thousand departures from Dubai airports had Iran as their destination in the same year.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) smart airport market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $429.89 million in 2025 and exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.99% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Increased passenger traffic across the region, particularly in rapidly developing economies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, necessitates advanced technologies for efficient airport operations. Furthermore, governments are heavily investing in infrastructure modernization to enhance national competitiveness and boost tourism. The rising adoption of cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) is streamlining airport processes, improving security, and enhancing the overall passenger experience. A growing focus on enhancing security measures in the wake of global events also contributes significantly to market growth. Specific technological segments like security systems, communication systems, and air/ground traffic control are witnessing particularly high demand. While data limitations prevent a detailed regional breakdown, it's evident that countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and South Africa are major contributors due to their significant investments in airport infrastructure and ongoing expansion projects. However, market growth may be tempered by challenges. High initial investment costs for implementing smart airport technologies can be a significant barrier for some airports, particularly smaller ones. Concerns regarding data security and privacy in an increasingly interconnected environment also require careful consideration. Furthermore, the success of smart airport initiatives hinges on effective integration across different systems and technologies, necessitating collaboration between various stakeholders and the potential for integration challenges. Despite these constraints, the long-term outlook for the MEA smart airport market remains positive, driven by sustained government support, technological advancements, and the increasing demand for improved passenger experience and efficient airport management. Key players like Honeywell, Cisco, Amadeus, and Siemens are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, offering a range of sophisticated solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Recent developments include: In August 2023, Dubai International Airport announced a USD 2.7 billion expansion plan scheduled to be completed by 2030. As part of the expansion, new scanning systems will be set up at the airport, to ensure that passengers do not have to put their liquids or laptops in their luggage when entering the checkpoints. Dubai International Airport is envisioned to become a major smart airport, courtesy of the opening of new business partnerships, added lounges, and more circulation space, as well as investment in new technologies., In May 2023, Serco entered into a partnership with Pangiam to provide technology-enabled guest experiences at airports in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as revolutionize operations and secure and efficient transport of people and goods. Using the power of information to optimize these operations, the contract is designed to facilitate faster and more efficient processes, reduce waiting times, and increase efficiency in security and safety checks.. Notable trends are: Security Systems to Dominate Market Share.

United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly data was reported at 20,997.911 Person th in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 22,741.194 Person th for Mar 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly data is updated quarterly, averaging 13,205.000 Person th from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23,514.282 Person th in Sep 2017 and a record low of 5,811.000 Person th in Jun 2005. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly: Transit data was reported at 44.660 Person th in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 127.755 Person th for Mar 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly: Transit data is updated quarterly, averaging 183.500 Person th from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 251.000 Person th in Mar 2006 and a record low of 44.660 Person th in Jun 2018. United Arab Emirates Passenger Traffic: Dubai International Airport: Quarterly: Transit data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Civil Aviation - Dubai. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.TA014: Air Transport: Passenger Traffic.

Data Governance for Airport Operations Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Data Governance for Airport Operations market size was valued at $1.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5.7 billion by 2033, expanding at a robust CAGR of 12.8% during 2024–2033. The primary driver behind this impressive growth trajectory is the increasing complexity of airport operations, which has necessitated the adoption of advanced data governance frameworks to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient management of vast data volumes across flight operations, passenger services, baggage handling, and security management. As airports worldwide face mounting pressure to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and comply with stringent regulatory mandates, the demand for comprehensive data governance solutions is set to accelerate significantly over the forecast period.

Regional Outlook

North America currently commands the largest share of the Data Governance for Airport Operations market, accounting for nearly 38% of the global market value in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the region's mature aviation sector, advanced technological infrastructure, and proactive regulatory environment that prioritizes data security and operational transparency. Major international hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas have been early adopters of sophisticated data governance platforms, integrating them with legacy systems to optimize everything from flight scheduling to passenger management. Furthermore, the presence of prominent industry players and robust investments in digital transformation initiatives have solidified North America’s leadership, with the region expected to maintain a steady growth rate through 2033.

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for data governance in airport operations, projected to expand at a remarkable CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period. This rapid acceleration is driven by unprecedented growth in air travel, massive infrastructure investments, and the proliferation of new airports across countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. Governments and airport authorities in this region are investing heavily in modernizing their operational frameworks, with a strong emphasis on digitalization, automation, and compliance with international aviation standards. The influx of international passengers, coupled with rising expectations for seamless and secure travel experiences, has made data governance an operational imperative for both new and existing airports.

Emerging economies in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are witnessing a steady but uneven adoption of data governance solutions in airport operations. While airports in major cities such as Dubai, Johannesburg, and São Paulo are rapidly catching up with global best practices, smaller regional airports often face challenges related to limited budgets, lack of skilled personnel, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. However, ongoing policy reforms, increased foreign direct investment, and strategic partnerships with global technology providers are gradually bridging the gap. These regions are expected to contribute significantly to the market’s long-term growth, particularly as they address infrastructure bottlenecks and prioritize digital transformation in aviation.

Report Scope

In 2024, the number of passenger arrivals at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central in Dubai reached approximately *** thousand. In comparison, the number of departures amounted to around *** thousand in the same year.

The statistic shows the monthly number of passengers arriving at Dubai International Airport in the emirate of Dubai in 2018. In August 2018, approximately **** million passengers arrived at Dubai International Airport.

In 2024, the number of annual passenger departures from Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates was approximately ***** million. In the preceding years, the aviation industry significantly rebounded after being affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.