DXB traffic recovery has accelerated after severe regional disruption, with passenger volumes returning to around 78 per cent of pre-conflict levels as international airlines rebuild schedules.

DUBAI: DXB traffic recovery is gathering pace after months of major regional aviation disruption, with passenger numbers at Dubai International now back to around 78 per cent of levels recorded before the conflict affected flight schedules and airspace across the region.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said passenger volumes had fallen by roughly two-thirds at the height of the disruption. Traffic has since rebounded as airlines restore services and international connectivity improves.

Passenger numbers climb after steep fall

Dubai International handled 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, including 13 million in the second quarter.

Traffic fell sharply during the most difficult period but improved steadily as conditions stabilised. Monthly passenger numbers increased from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June, according to Dubai Airports.

The airport said returning international carriers, stronger connectivity and improving airline load factors were supporting the rebound.

Also read: Qatar Airways winter schedule adds flights across more than 170 destinations

International airlines return to Dubai

The DXB traffic recovery is also being supported by airlines rebuilding capacity.

International carriers including Air France and British Airways are returning, while Dubai-based airlines have been restoring operations following the earlier disruption.

By the end of the first half, DXB was connected to 217 destinations across 99 countries through almost 50 international airlines.

Also read: More than 1,000 UK flights cancelled after air traffic control system failure

DXB expects stronger second half

Dubai Airports expects momentum to strengthen during the second half of 2026 as airline networks and frequencies continue to recover.

Increasing international transfer traffic, easing travel advisories in important source markets, the winter flying schedule and Dubai’s calendar of major business, leisure and sporting events are expected to support demand.

Griffiths has also indicated that the airport expects passenger traffic to reach about 70 million during 2026, with further recovery anticipated thereafter.

Dubai strengthens airport resilience

The disruption is also influencing how Dubai prepares its aviation infrastructure for future shocks.

Griffiths said protective measures are being incorporated into the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, including plans to place critical infrastructure such as fuel storage underground.

At DXB, investment continues in biometric systems, self-service technology, passenger-flow improvements and smarter operational capabilities.

Why the rebound matters for Dubai

DXB is heavily dependent on international and transfer passengers, making the restoration of regional connectivity particularly important.

Dubai Airports previously estimated that DXB handles around 32 per cent of Middle East transfer traffic, highlighting the airport’s wider importance to international journeys connecting through the region.

Impact to expect

Continued DXB traffic recovery should support Dubai’s tourism, hospitality, retail and business sectors while helping airlines restore international capacity and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a major global aviation hub.