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Dubai Airport Passenger Traffic Plummets Amid War
26 Aug
Summary
- Dubai airport saw a 31.3% passenger drop in the first half of 2026.
- Air travel was disrupted by attacks on Iran and Middle East route avoidance.
- CEO expects passenger volume to steadily increase following disruptions.
Dubai International Airport reported a substantial decrease in passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2026. The hub handled 13 million passengers in the second quarter, contributing to 31.5 million in the first half. This figure represents a 31.3% reduction compared to the first half of 2025.
The decline was primarily caused by disruptions to air travel following the United States and Israel's attacks on Iran on February 28. These events led to shutdowns and restrictions in the Gulf region, with many travelers choosing to bypass Middle Eastern routes.
Aircraft movements also saw a significant drop, totaling 150,600 in the first half, a 32.1% decrease year-on-year. The second quarter alone recorded 62,500 aircraft movements.
Despite the challenges, CEO Paul Griffiths stated that passenger volume has shown a steady monthly increase since the disruptions. He anticipates this positive momentum will continue, with overseas airlines, particularly from Europe, expected to resume operations shortly, leading to a rapid return to full capacity.
