Dubai International Airport (DXB) has reclaimed its position as the world’s busiest international airport in 2024, according to new data released by the Airports Council International (ACI). The Gulf aviation hub welcomed a staggering 92.3 million passengers, marking a 6.1% increase from the previous year and surpassing its 2019 pre-pandemic numbers by 3.8%.
The strong rebound in passenger traffic underscores Dubai’s pivotal role in global aviation and reaffirms its status as a critical transit and tourism gateway. The airport serves as the main hub for Emirates Airlines and is a cornerstone of the UAE’s logistics and travel economy.
Global Air Travel Soars Back
The ACI report highlights a broader resurgence in international air travel. In total, 9.5 billion passengers flew globally in 2024 — a 9% rise from 2023 — representing one of the most significant rebounds in the aviation industry post-COVID-19.
“Airports are not just transportation hubs; they are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity,” said Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. “This resurgence in traffic reflects not just recovery, but the growing demand for global mobility, despite the challenges airports face.”
Atlanta Still Reigns in Total Traffic
While Dubai tops the list for international traffic, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the U.S. remains the world’s busiest airport overall when including domestic traffic. Atlanta handled 108.1 million passengers in 2024, maintaining its long-standing dominance in total throughput.
Dallas-Fort Worth and Dubai rounded out the top three in the global airport rankings.
India’s Rise in Global Aviation
India also marked a significant presence in the global aviation landscape, with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport securing the eighth position worldwide. Delhi handled 77.8 million passengers in 2024, overtaking Shanghai Pudong International, which dropped one spot in the rankings.
Cargo and Commerce
On the cargo front, Hong Kong International Airport retained its title as the world’s busiest cargo airport, processing 4.9 million metric tonnes of freight in 2024 — highlighting Asia’s continued dominance in global trade logistics.
Looking Ahead
Despite the remarkable growth in 2024, ACI had earlier forecast a slowdown in passenger growth for 2025. The organization projects nearly 9.9 billion global passengers this year, though the pace of recovery is expected to taper as markets stabilize.
For Dubai, the latest figures not only validate its long-term investments in aviation infrastructure but also reinforce its ambition to become a global leader in connectivity, tourism, and logistics.
As the world continues to take to the skies, Dubai International Airport appears set to stay at the forefront of global aviation.
