DXB sets record 44.9 million guests in H1 2024

Dubai International (DXB) welcomed a record 44.9 million guests during the first six months of this year, an eight per cent increase year-on-year.

In total, Dubai attracted 9.31 million international visitors in H1 2024, figures from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism show.

Dubai’s GDP, also grew, reaching AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, up 3.2 per cent from 2023.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: "The record-breaking performance highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world, and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest.

"Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China, have been instrumental in our success. We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024.”

In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top destination country with 6.1 million passengers, while traffic from China exceeded one million passengers, representing 80 per cent year-on-year growth and a 90 per cent recovery compared to 2019 levels.

DXB’s top destination countries after India are Saudi Arabia with 3.7 million guests, the United Kingdom with 2.9 million guests and Pakistan with 2.3 million guests.

Other significant markets include the United States (1.7 million guests), Russia (1.3 million), and Germany (1.3 million). The top three city destinations were London with 1.8 million guests, Riyadh (1.6 million), and Mumbai (1.2 million).

DXB is connected to 269 destinations across 106 countries, served by 101 international airlines, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global business and logistics hub.

The total number of flight movements reached 216,000, a 7.2 per cent increase compared to the first six months of last year.

The busiest month was January with 7.9 million guests.