Dubai International Airport (DXB) has increased its passenger traffic forecast for the year to 85 million from the previously forecast 83.6 million, slightly short of the pre-pandemic 2019 number of 86.3 million passengers.

 

The new numbers came even as Dubai International (DXB) celebrated a significant milestone in its recovery with passenger traffic for the first half (H1) of the year surpassing 2019 levels. It is also expecting record-breaking numbers during the winter season. 

 

“We started the second half with strong demand in July, and with the ongoing seasonal peak coinciding with the reopening of schools in August, we’re preparing for an exceptionally busy rest of the year. We’ve readjusted our forecast for the year from 83.6m guests to 85m, just 1.6% shy of DXB’s annual traffic in 2019,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

 

The world’s busiest international hub welcomed 41.6 million guests in H1, just over 100%, compared to the traffic recorded during the first six months of 2019.

 

DXB registered a robust performance throughout the second quarter, during which passenger traffic surged by 42.7% year on year to reach 20.3 million. May was the busiest month during Q2 with 6.9 million guests. Propelled by a strong Q2, DXB’s H1 traffic totalled 41.6m guests, up 49.1% compared to 27.9 million recorded in H1 2022. 

 

DXB is now connected to 257 destinations across 104 countries, through more than 91 international airlines. 

 

“It’s been a rewarding first half for Dubai International and amidst increasing guest numbers, we take great pride in knowing we are continuously delivering with operational excellence and providing an exemplary guest experience. Our dedicated team go above and beyond to create a personalised and seamless experience for every guest," said Griffiths.

 

"As we recover with our H1 traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile,” he said.

 

DXB's baggage performance continues to be world-leading, and in H1 2023, baggage volume increased by 7% compared to pre-pandemic H1 2019 levels. This year so far, DXB handled approximately 37.2 million bags without compromising baggage delivery to customers – 92% of all baggage was delivered within 45 minutes to customers.

 

INDIA TOPS

India continues to lead as DXB’s top destination country in terms of traffic with 6 million guests in the first half, followed by Saudi Arabia with 3.1 million guests, and the United Kingdom with 2.8 million guests. Other leading destinations include Pakistan (2 million), the US (1.8 million), Russia (1.3 million) and Germany (1.2 million).

 

The list of top city destinations was led by London with 1.7 million guests, Mumbai (1.2 million) and Riyadh (1.2 million) following in a close third. 

 

CARGO VOLUMES

Cargo volumes at DXB surged in the second quarter by 16.1% year on year to reach 453,500 tonnes, bringing the total freight volume for the first half of the year to 853,500 tonnes, down from 6.2% compared to last year. 

 

DXB handled a total of 201,800 flights in the first half, up 30.2% year on year, up 13% compared to the same period in H1 2019. The average number of guests per flight during the first half reached 214 while the load factor was 77%. - TradeArabia News Service