Dubai International Airport (DXB) is approaching a new symbolic milestone. After a record-breaking 2025, the airport expects to reach nearly 100 million passengers in 2026. According to the specialized press and statements from Dubai Airports reported by Reuters, this momentum confirms the central role of the Emirati hub in the flow of traffic between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Summary
A record trajectory confirmed
In 2025, Dubai International Airport welcomed 95.2 million passengers, an increase compared to the previous year. For 2026, the stated target is around 99.5 million passengers, which would bring DXB closer to the 100 million mark.
In an interview with Reuters, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted the growth in several markets, particularly in Asia. India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom are among the main source markets, while China is experiencing a marked recovery.
A strategic hub for intercontinental flows
DXB's performance is not limited to a traffic indicator. It reflects the strength of Dubai's hub model, which captures long-haul flows between Europe and Asia, but also between Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.
Meanwhile, Dubai recorded 19.6 million international visitors in 2024 according to official data from the Department of Economy and Tourism, confirming the growing attractiveness of the destination beyond simple transit.
DXB nearing its maximum capacity
Dubai International Airport is currently operating at close to its maximum physical capacity. Investments are primarily focused on optimizing passenger flows and operations to accommodate growth without major expansion of the existing site.
In this context, attention is increasingly focused on the emirate's second airport.
Al Maktoum International, a pillar of future growth
Al Maktoum International (DWC) is undergoing a major expansion. Dubai authorities have announced an investment project estimated at $35 billion to gradually increase its capacity to 150 million passengers per year, with a long-term target of 260 million.
Ultimately, DWC is expected to become the emirate's main airport, absorbing future traffic growth and reshaping the regional air balance.
What this means for tourism professionals
For airlines, tour operators, and distributors, Dubai's continued growth strengthens connectivity opportunities and multi-destination packages. The Emirati hub is consolidating its position against other major regional platforms, notably Doha and Istanbul.
In the short term, the challenge for professionals is to structure offers adapted to these growing flows, integrating the stopover dynamic and connections to Asia and Africa.
Sources
https://www.tourmag.com/Dubai-International-Airport-cap-sur-les-100-millions-de-passagers-en-2026_a130474.html
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