Dubai International Airport (DXB) continues to shatter records set before the global pandemic, showcasing a robust rebound in key performance metrics during the first half of 2023. As a prominent global aviation hub, DXB has greeted an impressive 41.6 million passengers in the initial six months of this year, surpassing even the benchmarks of the pre-pandemic first half of 2019. This remarkable figure signifies a staggering growth of over 100 percent compared to passenger numbers in the same period in 2019. Furthermore, in contrast to the corresponding period in 2022 (27.9 million), passenger traffic has surged by a notable 49.1 percent.
Amid these achievements, DXB is poised to accommodate more than three million travelers within a mere 13-day timeframe, underscoring its enduring allure and operational effectiveness.
The second quarter witnessed a notable upswing in activity, with May emerging as the peak month, hosting 6.9 million visitors. The overall passenger traffic at DXB recorded a substantial year-on-year increase of 42.7 percent, culminating in a total of 20.3 million passengers for the quarter.
Aviation operations at Dubai International Airport saw a total of 201,800 flights managed during the first half of the year, signifying a substantial year-on-year uptick of 30.2 percent. This also represents a 13 percent elevation compared to figures from H1 2019. The average passenger count per flight during this period was 214, accompanied by a load factor of 77 percent.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed, “It’s been a rewarding first half for Dubai International and amidst increasing guest numbers, we take great pride in knowing we are continuously delivering with operational excellence and providing an exemplary guest experience. We started the second half with strong demand in July, and with the ongoing seasonal peak coinciding with the reopening of schools in August, we’re preparing for an exceptionally busy rest of the year. We’ve readjusted our forecast for the year from 83.6 million guests to 85 million, just 1.6 percent shy of DXB’s annual traffic in 2019. As we recover with our H1 traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile.”
Dubai’s hospitality and tourism sectors have demonstrated exceptional performance compared to the pre-Covid era. While 2019 was a record-breaking year for the emirate, 2023 has witnessed Dubai’s ascent in terms of visitor numbers, hotel rates, and occupancies.
According to the Dubai Media Office, Dubai is globally recognized as the fastest-recovering destination. Attracting 8.55 million travelers in H1 2023, the city has surpassed the achievement of H1 2019, which recorded 8.36 million visitors.
By way of comparison, the United Nations World Trade Organization anticipates international tourist arrivals could reach between 80-95 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year.