Dubai International Airport retains top spot in global passenger traffic

Dubai International Airport has maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic for 2024, according to a report released on Monday by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

Preliminary figures indicate that the 2024 global total passengers are close to 9.5 billion, representing an increase of 9 per cent from 2023 or a gain of 3.8 per cent from pre-pandemic levels (2019).

The top 10 busiest airports, representing 9 per cent of global traffic (855 million passengers), witnessed a gain of 8.8 per cent from 2023 and a gain of 8.4 per cent vis-à-vis their 2019 results (789 million pax in 2019).

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport defends its top position, followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Air cargo volumes are estimated to have increased by 8.4 per cent year-over-year (+3.9 per cent versus 2019) to over 124 million metric tonnes in 2024.

ACI World Director-General Justin Erbacci said, “Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, has affirmed that Dubai International Airport’s continued position as the world’s busiest hub for international passengers for the eleventh consecutive year is a milestone that goes beyond numbers, embodying Dubai’s exceptional status as a leading global destination for tourism, trade, business and residency.

Commenting on the latest report by Airports Council International, Griffiths said, “Despite the ongoing challenges facing the aviation sector each year, some facts remain unchanged. With 92.3 million passengers in 2024, we continue to maintain our lead for over a decade, setting a new global benchmark for international passenger traffic through a single airport.” He credited the achievement to collaboration and the exceptional efforts made to shape an outstanding travel experience, one that reflects Dubai’s unique spirit and status as a world-class city.

Griffiths added that the focus now shifts to the future, noting that development works have already commenced at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport, which will enable increased capacity and set new standards in airport design and the overall travel experience.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a cooperation agreement with the Emirates Group to support the scholarship programme, enhance the qualifications of UAE nationals, and ensure their readiness to meet national priorities.

The partnership aims to strengthen the integration between the programme outcomes and the job market’s needs while advancing the country’s strategic goals by developing skilled Emirati talent in future sectors.

The agreement seeks to support scholarship programmes by offering educational opportunities for Emirati students at leading international universities in fields aligned with national priorities. It also facilitates their transition from higher education to the job market by providing practical training, career guidance, and guaranteed employment after graduation.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of senior officials from both entities.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “The Emirates Group is committed to empowering Emiratis by providing a wide range of career pathways and tailored development programmes designed to equip them for long-term success and growth. Our ongoing collaborations with industry partners and government entities reflect our dedication to expanding both educational and career opportunities for the next generation of Emirati travel and aviation professionals.

“We are especially proud to partner with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) on our first joint initiative, and thank them for their dedication to nurturing the youth of our nation. Through this partnership, we hope to support the academic and career aspirations of young Emiratis, while also offering them opportunities to contribute to the UAE’s economy and aviation sector. This initiative is a key step in delivering on the Emirates Group’s Emiratisation strategy, which aims to build a robust, future-ready national workforce.” Dr. Al Awar noted that the agreement represents a strategic step toward boosting the quality of higher education outcomes and aligning them with the needs of the national economy. He stated that the partnership with the Emirates Group provides students with advanced, integrated educational opportunities that combine academic achievement with practical experience, strengthening their readiness to excel in the job market after graduation.

He added, “At MoHESR, we are continuously enhancing the scholarship programme by forging strategic partnerships with key national companies with the aim of creating a safe and supportive environment and streamlining the educational journey for scholarship students.”

WAM