DXB Sets New Record With 87 Million Travelers in 2023

Dubai International Airport (DXB) achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023 by welcoming a record-breaking 87 million passengers, reflecting a substantial 31.7% increase from the previous year.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attributed this success to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

He said, “Dubai is setting new benchmarks in passenger experience with excellence levels and innovative technologies that constantly redefine airport services.Consistent with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business over the next decade, the city continues to grow rapidly as a global aviation hub and the world’s preferred gateway for international travelers." 

“As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to further enhancing Dubai’s leading position on the global stage,” he further added.

In 2023, the airport recorded an overall passenger traffic of 86.9 million, surpassing 2019's annual figure of 86.3 million. The peak in 2018 saw 89.1 million passengers before the onset of the pandemic, with 66 million in 2022. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths shared the achievement on Dubai Eye radio, highlighting the significance of standard travel destinations such as India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan in driving passenger traffic.

Dubai's early reopening to tourists during the pandemic contributed to the city-state's tourism industry success. Attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab, coupled with Dubai's strategic location, attracted visitors and transit passengers. The city reported record tourism numbers in February, hosting 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, with an average hotel occupancy of 77%.

Despite anticipating serving 88.8 million passengers in the current year, Dubai International Airport faces increasing pressure, having experienced its highest-ever number of aircraft takeoffs and landings in a single year (416,405). The city also has Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, although plans to relocate major carriers there have faced delays.

Dubai International Airport connects to 262 destinations in 104 countries through over 100 international carriers, reaffirming its global connectivity.