DXB Welcomes 23.4 Million Guests in Q1 2025, Cementing Its Global Lead

TDT | Dubai

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 23.4 million guests in the first quarter of 2025, reinforcing its status as the world’s leading international airport. The figures mark a 1.5% year-on-year increase, despite Q1 2024 already setting a record, and reflect both Dubai’s growing global appeal and DXB’s pivotal role as the gateway of choice for millions.

January 2025 alone set a new milestone, with DXB registering its highest-ever monthly traffic of 8.5 million guests. This achievement was made possible through not just world-class infrastructure, but the coordinated efforts of thousands of staff operating behind the scenes.

India continued to dominate as DXB’s top destination, contributing 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). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, ahead of Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000).

Leisure travel saw a notable boost, driven by the Eid holidays, spring break, and seasonal peaks early in the year. Destinations like the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and Spain experienced double-digit growth, with increases of 30.6%, 28.6%, and 20.2% respectively.

Though cargo volumes dipped slightly by 3.6% year-on-year to 517,000 tonnes, DXB’s operational excellence remained on full display. A total of 111,000 flight movements were recorded in Q1, up 1.9% from the same period last year. Passenger-to-flight ratios also improved, with an average of 215 guests per flight.

Crucially, the airport maintained top-tier efficiency and service quality. Over 21 million bags were processed with a baggage mishandling rate of fewer than 1.95 per 1,000 guests — a 99.8% success rate. Biometric passport control and real-time monitoring systems ensured that 95% of travellers experienced minimal wait times, while enhanced accessibility features further bolstered the airport’s guest-centric approach.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted the importance of collaboration:

“Our Q1 performance sets a strong foundation for the year ahead — not only in terms of guest numbers but in the calibre of the people behind them. Delivering DXB’s busiest month ever while upholding exceptional service levels requires precision, agility, and extraordinary teamwork.”

Heartfelt moments underscored DXB’s commitment to guest experience. In one instance, the airport’s Lost and Found team, in coordination with Dubai Police, recovered a bag containing AED 102,000 in cash and important documents within just 30 minutes of being reported missing — a timely intervention for two grieving brothers. Another notable gesture by immigration officer Abdullah Al Baloushi, who gave a young man a few extra minutes to say goodbye to his departing mother, was personally recognised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on social media.

In recognition of its workplace culture, Dubai Airports received the prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award in Q1, reflecting a long-term investment in employee engagement, wellbeing, and leadership development.

In March, DXB was officially named the world’s busiest international airport for the 11th consecutive year by Airports Council International (ACI). Currently, it connects travellers to 269 destinations across 106 countries, served by 101 international airlines.