According to data from the international aviation data platform OAG, Dubai International Airport topped the list of the busiest airports in the region in terms of total international and domestic flights. It surpassed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to become the world's largest airport in terms of available seats.
Data showed that Dubai International Airport ranked first globally in terms of total seat capacity on international and domestic flights combined, handling 5.5 million departing seats (11 million scheduled seats) during January, a 4% year-on-year increase in airline capacity compared to January 2025. Atlanta Airport moved into second place with 4.9 million seats, a 1% year-on-year increase, while Tokyo Haneda remained in third place, despite a 1% decrease, with a total of 4.64 million seats. Beijing Baiyun International Airport ranked fourth globally with 4.42 million seats.
According to the data, Dubai International Airport was the busiest airport in the region in terms of total flights, followed by Doha International Airport in second place, which had a capacity of 2.9 million seats. Jeddah International Airport came third with a capacity of 2.9 million seats. Sharjah International Airport saw significant growth of 17.5%, with 917,000 seats compared to 780,000 in 2025. Zayed International Airport recorded a 10% increase in seat capacity, reaching 1.7 million in November compared to 1.55 million the previous year.
The UAE's aviation sector, particularly at major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, has experienced remarkable growth, driven by rising demand for travel and airlines expanding their fleets and flight schedules.
Dubai International Airport has recorded consistent growth rates throughout the past year, achieving record levels as UAE carriers continue to expand their operations to and from Dubai by launching new destinations and adding flights to existing markets, fuelled by increased demand for international travel.
It is estimated that this strong growth in seat capacity at Dubai International Airport will continue until the end of the first quarter of 2026, as the national carriers expand their networks.