Dubai Airport soars to 23.4 million guests, breaking Q1 2025 records
London, Riyadh, and Mumbai lead DXB’s top city destinations
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has started 2025 on a record-breaking note, welcoming 23.4 million guests in the first quarter, a 1.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Reinforcing its position as the world’s busiest international airport, DXB’s performance was underpinned by coordinated efforts across its entire ecosystem – from ground teams to immigration officers, and from smart technology to human kindness.
January 2025 marked a milestone, with 8.5 million guests, the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB. This surge in movement was powered by seasonal travel peaks, spring breaks, Eid holidays, and a rising appetite for global leisure travel.
Top destinations
India remained the top destination country with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). On a city level, London led the pack with 935,000 travellers, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000).
Leisure travel saw a significant uptick, with traffic to the Czech Republic up by 30.6%, Vietnam by 28.6%, and Spain by 20.2%, compared to the previous year.
Despite the strong guest growth, cargo volumes saw a marginal decline of 3.6% year-on-year, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes in Q1.
Human moments
Behind the operational success lies a network of dedicated people. A standout instance came from the DXB Lost and Found team, who, in coordination with Dubai Police, recovered a bag containing Dh102,000 in cash, passports, and personal documents – all within 30 minutes of being reported missing.
Another poignant moment occurred when immigration officer Abdullah Al Baloushi paused a departing wheelchair-bound guest so her son could say a proper goodbye. The act, praised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, , Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, echoed the values of care and empathy that define DXB’s culture.
Efficient and inclusive
DXB processed 111,000 flight movements in Q1 – a 1.9% increase year-on-year – with an average of 215 guests per flight. More than 21 million bags were handled, with the baggage mishandling rate reduced to fewer than 1.95 per 1,000 guests, delivering a 99.8% success rate.
Operational efficiency was further enhanced by real-time monitoring and biometric passport control, ensuring 95% of guests experienced minimal wait times. The airport also continued its push for inclusivity, rolling out tailored services for People of Determination and guests with hidden disabilities.
DXB’s strong start was supported by its award-winning workplace culture. In Q1, Dubai Airports received the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to employee engagement, leadership, and wellbeing.
In March, Airports Council International (ACI) named DXB the world’s busiest international airport for the 11th consecutive year, linking 269 destinations in 106 countries, served by 101 international carriers.