Dubai International Airport surpasses pre-pandemic figure of passenger traffic in 2023
Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world's busiest hub
for international travel, witnessed a significant surge in passenger traffic in
2023, surpassing its pre-pandemic figure of 86.3 million recorded in 2019.
Although it fell short of its peak in 2018, last year's figures underscore the
remarkable recovery of DXB from the impact of the pandemic. Serving as a vital
gauge for the global aviation sector and the broader economic vitality of
Dubai, the airport registered a total of 86.9 million passengers in 2023, as
revealed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, in a recent announcement on
state-owned radio station Dubai Eye.
The resurgence in passenger numbers was notably propelled by traditional travel corridors, with significant traffic originating from key destinations such as India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Notably, Russia emerged as a prominent market, leveraging Dubai's open-door policy amidst geopolitical tensions. As one of the earliest cities to welcome back tourists during the pandemic, Dubai's strategic initiatives, coupled with iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab, contributed to the revival of its tourism sector, drawing visitors and transit passengers alike.
Passenger
traffic of Mideast airlines surges 115% in October
In a separate development, Dubai unveiled record-breaking tourism figures, boasting 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, with average hotel occupancy reaching approximately 77 percent. Simultaneously, the city-state's real estate market experienced a notable upswing, nearing historic valuation highs. Projections for the current year anticipate passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport to reach 88.8 million, nearing its previous peak.
However, this poses challenges for the already strained
infrastructure, evidenced by the airport's record number of aircraft takeoffs
and landings in 2023, totaling 416,405.
Islamabad
Airport witnesses record number of passengers in 2023
Dubai's aviation landscape is further complemented by Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, situated approximately 45 kilometers away. Although primarily utilized for cargo and private aircraft flights, plans to accommodate major carriers like Emirates have faced delays since its inauguration in 2010. Dubai International Airport, serving as a gateway to 262 destinations across 104 countries through over 100 international carriers, continues to uphold its pivotal role in global aviation.
Source: Arab News