Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again taken center stage in global aviation, being officially recognized as the world’s busiest international airport for the 11th consecutive year. This milestone, announced by Airports Council International (ACI) on April 14, further cements Dubai’s reputation as a key player in global air connectivity and travel excellence.
Over 92 Million International Passengers in 2024
Eleven years at the top ?? ?@DXB has once again been named the world’s busiest international airport by @ACIWorld. It’s a title we’ve held for 11 years straight — but more importantly, it’s a reflection of the trust millions of guests have placed in us for over a decade.… pic.twitter.com/0B1jNqn80W
— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) April 14, 2025
DXB handled a staggering 92,331,506 international passengers in 2024, according to the latest figures released by ACI. This marks a 6.1% increase from the previous year, showcasing continued growth in passenger traffic post-pandemic.
The airport’s success is largely attributed to its strategic geographic location, acting as a major transit hub between the East and West, as well as being the primary base for Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines. The combination of top-tier service, cutting-edge infrastructure, and global connectivity makes DXB the preferred choice for millions of travelers every year.
Top 10 International Airports by Passenger Volume
In the international traffic category, DXB led the global rankings ahead of several major global hubs. Here’s how the top 10 list stood in 2024:
- Dubai, UAE (DXB) – 92.3 million
- London, UK (LHR) – 79.1 million
- Incheon, South Korea (ICN)
- Singapore (SIN)
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS)
- Paris, France (CDG)
- Istanbul, Turkey (IST)
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
- Hong Kong SAR (HKG)
- Doha, Qatar (DOH)
The data, compiled by ACI, only includes international passengers, excluding domestic traffic to highlight the busiest global travel hubs.
Global Rankings by Total Passenger Volume
When considering total passenger traffic—including domestic, international, and transit passengers—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the United States claimed the top spot, handling 108,067,766 passengers in 2024.
However, Dubai International Airport wasn’t far behind, coming in second globally with its 92.3 million passengers. While DXB primarily caters to international routes, its performance continues to outshine most airports that rely heavily on domestic travel.
Here’s a look at the top 10 airports globally based on total passenger traffic:
- Atlanta, USA (ATL)
- Dubai, UAE (DXB)
- Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (DFW)
- Tokyo Haneda, Japan (HND)
- London Heathrow, UK (LHR)
- Denver, USA (DEN)
- Istanbul, Turkey (IST)
- Chicago O’Hare, USA (ORD)
- New Delhi, India (DEL)
- Shanghai Pudong, China (PVG)
Why Dubai International Airport (DXB) Continues to Dominate Global Aviation
DXB’s consistent performance over more than a decade highlights not just its world-class infrastructure, but also the broader ambition of Dubai to be a global tourism and logistics hub. The airport is a key pillar of Dubai’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and facilitating business, tourism, and trade.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, has previously credited this success to the airport’s investment in passenger experience and its strategic alignment with Dubai’s long-term vision. “We’ve never just aimed to be the biggest—we aim to be the best. Our goal is to ensure that every traveler passing through DXB enjoys world-class service,” he said in an earlier statement.
The government’s continuous support, seamless visa policies, and innovation-led initiatives—like smart gates and biometric check-ins—have only added to DXB’s competitive edge.
Dubai’s Bigger Picture in Global Connectivity
As Dubai moves forward with large-scale infrastructure projects—such as the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and enhancements at DXB itself—the city is positioning itself as the gateway to the world. This achievement is not only a win for the aviation sector but also for the UAE’s global branding as a future-ready, hyper-connected nation.
It also reflects the country’s successful recovery from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, having restored—and now surpassed—pre-pandemic traffic levels faster than most global counterparts.
What’s Next for Dubai International Airport?
Looking ahead, DXB is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with even more passenger-centric enhancements on the horizon. As tourism and global travel demand remain strong, especially in and out of the Gulf region, Dubai International Airport is poised to maintain its crown—and possibly break more records.
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