Dubai's DXB airport forecast to handle nearly 100 million passengers this year

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest travel hub, is expected to handle close to 100 million passengers this year, its operator said on Wednesday, building on a record performance in 2025.

Dubai Airports forecasts ‌99.5 million ⁠passengers ⁠in 2026, it said in a statement, as demand strengthens across several major markets.

DXB handled 95.2 million passengers last ​year, up 3.1% from 2024. India, Saudi Arabia and Britain remained among its largest markets, while ​China, Egypt and Italy recorded ⁠double-digit growth.


Dubai, home ‌to the world's tallest tower ​and palm-shaped islands, ​is the Middle East's biggest ⁠tourism and trade hub. It is also a ​key connecting point for flights between ​Europe and Asia, and last year welcomed 19.6 million international overnight visitors, according to government data.

"DXB achieved its busiest day, month, quarter and year on record, operating at the edge ‌of physical capacity while consistently delivering operational excellence," in 2025, Dubai Airports said.

To meet ​rising demand ​and a ⁠fast-growing population, the emirate has announced a major $35 billion expansion at its second airport, Al Maktoum International, also ​operated by Dubai Airports.

The expansion is designed to handle 150 million passengers per year over the next decade, before reaching an annual capacity of 260 million passengers when complete.