Dubai Airport Raises 2024 Passenger Forecast to 93M

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has updated its 2024 forecast, raising its projected passenger numbers to 93 million, up from an earlier estimate of 91.8 million. This increase comes despite the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, signaling a robust recovery and continued growth for the emirate's main aviation hub.

Revised Forecasts and Growing Traffic

DXB is on track to exceed its previous forecast of handling 91.8 million passengers in 2024, with projections now set at 93 million, Dubai Airports announced. Speaking at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World event, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths stated, "We are ahead of schedule... We're hoping to get to 93 million by the end of the year and 100 million a couple of years away." This upward revision reflects the positive trajectory of Dubai as a leading global hub.

Factors Driving Increased Passenger Numbers

The "attractiveness of Dubai" as a destination plays a significant role in driving these higher passenger numbers. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, DXB has seen a rise in point-to-point traffic. Today, 60% of passengers are coming to Dubai as their final destination, compared to 40% pre-pandemic. This increase highlights the emirate's appeal as both a tourism and business hub.

During the first half of 2024, DXB recorded a record 44.9 million passengers, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The emirate also welcomed 9.3 million overnight international visitors between January and June, driven by Dubai's successful efforts to expand its tourism sector.

Dubai's Role as a Tourism and Business Powerhouse

Dubai has firmly established itself as a key trade, tourism, and business hub in the Middle East. The emirate attracted 17.1 million international overnight visitors in 2023, reflecting its success in drawing global travelers through flexible visa schemes, infrastructure spending, and economic diversification strategies.

The UAE Central Bank has also raised its forecast for the country's economic growth, expecting a 4% expansion in 2024, up from its previous estimate of 3.9%. This growth is driven by non-oil sectors such as property and tourism, highlighting Dubai’s strong economic fundamentals.

Expanding Hotel Capacity to Meet Demand

To support this growing tourism demand, Dubai is expanding its hotel capacity. The city currently has more than 151,000 hotel rooms, but demand for additional capacity continues. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, emphasized the emirate's diverse offerings: "Dubai doesn't just get into the luxury segment as it was perceived in the past. Today we know that there are amazing three-star hotels that can compete with many five-star hotels around the world."

Preparing for the Future: Al Maktoum International Expansion

To accommodate future passenger growth, Dubai is planning a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International, its second airport. Paul Griffiths mentioned that the project is still in the design review phase, focusing on building "not just the biggest but the best airport in the world."