Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, has reached a historic milestone in its 65-year history. In the third quarter of 2025, the airport welcomed 24.2 million passengers, marking the highest quarterly traffic it has ever recorded. This represents a 1.9% increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating the continued strength and resilience of Dubai’s aviation sector.
Passenger growth extends beyond Q3, with total traffic for the first nine months of 2025 reaching 70.1 million a 2.1% increase year-on-year. These figures reflect Dubai’s ongoing role as a major global transit hub, connecting travelers from around the world while supporting the city’s thriving tourism and business sectors.
Aircraft movements at DXB have also increased, with 115,000 flights recorded in Q3 and 336,000 between January and September, up 2.7% from the previous year. Despite the high volume of operations, the airport maintains exceptional efficiency. On average, each aircraft carried 213 passengers, security queues remained under five minutes for 99.7% of travelers, and nearly all passengers cleared passport control within 15 minutes.
Baggage handling continues to be a strong point for DXB. In the first nine months of the year, the airport managed 63.8 million bags, 90% of which reached passengers within 45 minutes of landing. Mishandled baggage remains exceptionally low, with only two bags per 1,000 passengers affected, reflecting a 99.9% accuracy rate.
The road ahead
Dubai International Airport’s performance in 2025 reinforces its reputation as a world-class airport, balancing rapid growth with operational excellence. By focusing on innovation, efficiency, and passenger experience, DXB continues to set global benchmarks in aviation and remains a key driver of Dubai’s economic growth.
At One Investments, we view this renewed market confidence as a gateway to long-term opportunities for our clients. As Dubai enters a new phase of growth, we guide investors toward projects that are structured to deliver lasting value.
