DUBAI, November 19, 2025: Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded the highest quarterly traffic in its 65-year history in the third quarter of 2025, welcoming 24.2 million passengers between July and September, according to figures released by Dubai Airports. The strong third-quarter performance brought total passenger traffic for the first nine months of the year to 70.1 million, a 2.1 percent increase compared with the same period in 2024. DXB’s twelve-month rolling traffic through the end of September reached a record 93.8 million passengers. Aircraft movements remained strong during the period, with 115,000 total flights handled in the third quarter.
Between January and September, the airport managed 336,000 flights across all categories, marking a 2.7 percent year-on-year increase. The average number of passengers per aircraft at the end of September was 213, reflecting consistent load factors across operations. Operational performance continued to demonstrate efficiency despite rising volumes. During the third quarter, 99.6 percent of departing travelers cleared passport control in under ten minutes, while 99.8 percent of arriving passengers completed the process in under fifteen minutes. Security screening times remained below five minutes for 99.7 percent of travelers. These results underscore DXB’s operational reliability and service consistency at peak travel levels.
Dubai Airports reported handling 63.8 million bags in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 6.2 percent compared with the same period last year and a record high for the timeframe. Of these, 90 percent reached passengers within 45 minutes of aircraft arrival, while baggage accuracy stood at 99.9 percent, equivalent to two mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers. India remained DXB’s top country market in the first nine months of 2025, with 8.8 million passengers. Saudi Arabia ranked second with 5.5 million, followed by the United Kingdom with 4.6 million, Pakistan with 3.2 million, and the United States with 2.4 million.
Operational efficiency remains high despite growth
London was the leading city destination, serving 2.8 million passengers, followed by Riyadh at 2.3 million, Mumbai at 1.8 million, Jeddah at 1.7 million, and New Delhi at 1.6 million. DXB also served as a key hub for outbound leisure travel, with Malaysia, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, and Denmark among the most popular destinations. Dubai Airports is continuing a series of infrastructure enhancements across its terminals to support growth and passenger experience. Projects currently under development include CB Central in Terminal 3, a space showcasing leading retail and brand experiences; CB East, a family-oriented zone with restaurants and entertainment; and CB West, which will feature premium shopping and dining areas. Terminal 1 is also undergoing upgrades with the introduction of CD Central in Concourse D, offering refreshed passenger zones, panoramic airfield views, and improved access to retail areas.
DWC development set to reshape global air travel
Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, said the results highlighted the continued strength of Dubai’s aviation and tourism sectors. “These record-breaking results reflect the sustained momentum of Dubai’s travel industry and the commitment of the airport community,” he said. As DXB continues to manage record volumes, Dubai Airports is advancing plans for Dubai World Central (DWC) – Al Maktoum International, which is expected to become the city’s main international gateway in the early 2030s. The new airport is being developed as a technologically advanced and sustainable global hub designed to handle the future needs of the aviation industry. Dubai International Airport’s latest performance reinforces its role as one of the world’s busiest and most efficient hubs, supporting the emirate’s position as a global center for aviation, trade, and tourism. – By Content Syndication Services.