Dubai has strengthened its position as the UAE’s aviation hub, with Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports accounting for approximately two-thirds of all flight activity in 2024. According to data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the emirate handled 65% and 68% of all passenger and civil aircraft movements last year.

Passenger traffic in Dubai surpassed 101 million, up 6.6% from 94.75 million in 2023. This included 28.5 million arrivals, 28.8 million departures, and 43.66 million transit passengers, emphasising the city’s status as a major global transit hub.

Passenger numbers increased to 148 million nationwide, up from 15.3 million in the previous year, representing an overall growth of 11.5%. Transit travellers made up the largest category, accounting for 64.4 million, or about 45% of the total.

Abu Dhabi came second with 30.9 million passengers, accounting for 21% of the national total and a significant 31% increase over the previous year. Sharjah ranked third, with 15.3 million passengers, a 11% increase. Traffic in Ras Al Khaimah increased by 88% to 640,000, while Fujairah more than doubled to 61,120.