DXB Records 23.4 Million Passengers in Q1 2025 Surge

Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 23.4 million guests in Q1 2025, maintaining strong growth in line with its guest-first service culture. This outstanding performance reinforces DXB’s status as the world’s busiest international hub and highlights Dubai’s growing global appeal.

Traffic rose 1.5% compared to Q1 2024, despite last year’s record numbers. Notably, January delivered 8.5 million guests – DXB’s highest monthly total ever recorded.

India remained DXB’s top destination with 3 million guests. Saudi Arabia followed with 1.9 million, and the UK with 1.5 million guests. Pakistan had 1 million, the US saw 804,000, while Germany handled 738,000 arrivals.

London topped city destinations with 935,000 travellers. Riyadh followed at 759,000, Jeddah at 627,000, and Mumbai with 615,000. New Delhi also saw strong traffic with 564,000 visitors.

Furthermore, leisure travel surged, boosted by Eid, spring break, and seasonal travel peaks. Traffic to the Czech Republic rose 30.6%, Vietnam by 28.6%, and Spain by 20.2%.

Though cargo volumes slightly dipped by 3.6% year-on-year, DXB still handled 517,000 tonnes in Q1, sustaining its logistical significance.

Behind the statistics, DXB’s guest-first service culture ensures smooth experiences. From airport staff to immigration officers, a united effort powers day-to-day success.

One example was a rapid recovery of AED 102,000 and passports, returned within 30 minutes thanks to DXB’s Lost and Found and Dubai Police.

Another moment stood out when Immigration Officer Abdullah Al Baloushi paused to let a boy say goodbye to his mother. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the compassionate gesture online.

Chief Executive Officer Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, stated, “This quarter shows not just numbers, but the quality of service by people driving these achievements.”

He added, “Delivering our busiest month while keeping high guest satisfaction required teamwork, agility, and operational excellence across all areas.”

DXB saw 111,000 flight movements in Q1 2025, a 1.9% increase. Each flight averaged 215 passengers. Despite this, efficiency remained high throughout.

More than 21 million bags were processed, with a mishandling rate of fewer than 1.95 per 1,000 guests. This success equates to a 99.8% baggage performance rate.

Real-time systems and biometric passport controls helped 95% of guests experience minimal delays at checkpoints. Moreover, accessibility services for guests with disabilities were expanded.

Recognising its people-centric approach, Dubai Airports won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award. This supports its ongoing focus on engagement and leadership development.

Also, DXB was named the world’s busiest international airport by Airports Council International for the 11th straight year.

This remarkable run underlines how a guest-first service culture drives performance across DXB’s global network of 269 destinations in 106 countries.

Sources

nigerianflightdeck.com

arabianbusiness.com

thenationalnews.com