Dubai International Airport retained its position as the world’s busiest air hub last year, with a record 95.2 million passengers passing through its terminals, reflecting the emirate’s sustained economic momentum. Officials said the surge highlights Dubai’s strong post-pandemic recovery, driven by rising global travel demand and the city’s growing appeal for tourism, business, and real estate.

The airport’s growth has been closely linked to Dubai’s expanding tourism sector. The emirate reported a 5% rise in tourist arrivals in 2025, reaching a record 19.6 million visitors for the third consecutive year. DXB, home to long-haul carrier Emirates, remains a critical pillar of “Dubai Inc.”, the network of state-owned and state-linked enterprises that underpin the local economy.

According to Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths, the 2025 figures show that record traffic has become “part of its operating reality” rather than an exception. Passenger numbers stood at 92.3 million in 2024, up from 86.9 million the previous year, and well above pre-pandemic levels of 86.3 million in 2019.