Passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) is showing signs of a strong recovery, with monthly volumes rising steadily throughout the second quarter of 2026 as airline capacity and international connectivity return.

DXB handled 13 million passengers in Q2, taking its total passenger traffic for the first half of the year to 31.5 million. This represents a 31.3 per cent decline compared with the same period in 2025.

However, the month-on-month recovery has been notable. Passenger numbers increased from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and reached 5 million in June, signalling strengthening demand as more airline capacity returned to the market.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the first half of the year had tested the aviation system but also demonstrated its resilience. The airport operator expects momentum to strengthen during the second half, supported by the recovery of airline networks and frequencies, rising international transfer traffic, the winter travel schedule and Dubai’s busy calendar of business, leisure and sporting events.

By the end of June, DXB was served by almost 50 international airlines, connecting passengers to 217 destinations across 99 countries. Load factors also continued to improve, moving closer to 2025 levels as connectivity expanded.

The airport handled 751,340 tonnes of cargo during the first half, down 28.7 per cent year on year. Baggage volumes reached 30.3 million pieces, a 28 per cent decline compared with the first half of 2025.

Despite the decline in overall traffic, DXB maintained strong operational performance. The mishandled baggage rate stood at 2.7 per 1,000 passengers, well below the global industry benchmark of approximately 4.9 per 1,000.

Passenger processing also remained efficient, with 98.98 per cent of departing passengers completing passport control in under 10 minutes, while 98.95 per cent of arriving passengers cleared passport control in under 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 99.34 per cent of passengers passed through security in less than five minutes.

“As capacity steadily returns across the board, demand is responding immediately,” Griffiths said, adding that DXB is well positioned to accommodate returning demand and strengthen its role as a global aviation hub.

With airline networks continuing to rebuild and international travel demand strengthening, Dubai Airports expects the second half of 2026 to deliver stronger passenger volumes and further recovery in the airport’s operations.