DXB welcomes 31.5 million guests in H1 amid regional disruptions

Dubai International (DXB) has welcomed 31.5 million guests during the first six months of 2026 following one of the "most challenging operating environments" in the airport's history.

DXB welcomed 13 million passengers during the second quarter taking the first half traffic to 31.5 million, a 31.3 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2025.

While regional airspace constraints continued to influence traffic during the first half of the year, guest volumes increased steadily throughout the second quarter, rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June.

In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's Business Breakfast show, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said operations are picking up following the regional disruptions. 

He added that local airlines, including Emirates and Flydubai, have achieved a 90 per cent recovery.

Aircraft movements totalled 150,600 during the first half, down 32.1 per cent year on year, including 62,500 during the second quarter.

Meanwhile, cargo volumes reached 751,340 tonnes during the first half, down 28.7 per cent year on year, including 351,716 tonnes handled during the second quarter.

DXB aims to reach 70 million guests by the end of the year, with the initial goal of 100 million still on the plate as the facility increases its efforts.

Griffiths added that governments around the world need to "wake up" and see the credibility and confidence of the airport's operations to achieve a full return.