Dubai Airport expects 70 million passengers in 2026
Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates expects to handle about 70 million passengers in 2026. In the first half of the year, the airport served 31.5 million passengers, while monthly traffic increased from 5 million in June to 6.3 million in July — by 26%. This was reported by Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, according to The National.
DXB passenger traffic
Griffiths described the trend as a trampoline-like rebound effect, under which passenger traffic could exceed previous figures. According to him, airlines' current capacity has reached 84% of the previous level, while passenger volumes stand at 78%.
Some carriers have not yet resumed flights because of the ongoing regional conflict associated with the war between the United States and Iran. At the same time, Griffiths said that most airlines are likely to resume operations at the beginning of the next winter season, which should support further traffic growth.
DXB also maintains its target of reaching 100 million passengers per year by the end of 2027. The airport's maximum annual capacity is about 115 million passengers.
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Development of Al Maktoum Airport
Construction of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is continuing. The first major phase is planned to enter operation in the early 2030s; it will provide annual capacity of 150 million passengers. Once fully completed, DWC will be able to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.
DWC's second runway is planned to open by the end of 2027. The project includes eight concourses, each with capacity for approximately 32 million passengers. Overall, the airport will have five runways, four of which will be used regularly and one will be a reserve.
The transfer of operations from DXB to DWC will take place in stages as the new airport's capacity increases. According to Griffiths, flydubai may begin transferring five or six aircraft to DWC as early as next year.
