Dubai, UAE — Dubai International Airport expects stronger passenger traffic in the second half of 2026 as airline networks rebuild and international transfer demand improves.
The airport said on Wednesday that its recovery gained momentum in the second quarter, with monthly passenger volumes rising from 3.5 million in April to 5 million in June.
DXB handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half, down 31.3 percent from a year earlier, after regional airspace restrictions constrained operations.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the return of airline capacity was being matched by recovering demand, particularly important for an airport where international transfers account for a significant share of traffic.
The airport expects the winter schedule, easing travel advisories and Dubai’s calendar of business, leisure and sporting events to support growth in the coming months.
Almost 50 international airlines served DXB at the end of the first half, linking Dubai with 217 destinations in 99 countries.
The airport is also expanding self-service facilities, biometric systems and operational capabilities while upgrading passenger areas and improving passenger flows.
The initiatives are designed to increase operational flexibility and prepare the airport for rising demand as airline schedules rebuild.
First-half aircraft movements fell 32.1 percent to 150,600, while cargo volumes dropped 28.7 percent to 751,340 tonnes.
Baggage handling volumes fell 28 percent to 30.3 million bags, although the mishandled baggage rate remained well below the global industry benchmark.
Dubai Airports said 98.98 percent of departing passengers cleared passport control within 10 minutes, while 98.95 percent of arrivals cleared within 15 minutes.
Security processing also remained rapid, with 99.34 percent of passengers passing through security within five minutes.
