Dubai Airport Ups Annual Passenger Traffic Forecast to 85 Million
A significant increase from the earlier expectation of 83.6 million tourists, Dubai International (DXB) has amended its annual passenger traffic projection for 2023 and now anticipates 85 million passengers.
Optimistic Outlook for Passenger Traffic
This boost positions DXB on the cusp of its pre-pandemic performance in 2019, a testament to its resilient recovery. The airport envisions this momentum to be especially pronounced during the forthcoming winter season.
Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
In the first half of 2023, DXB's performance has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating its unwavering recovery. According to the state-owned airport operator Dubai Airports, the airport received 41.3 million passengers over this time, a startling 49% increase from the same time last year.
Robust Quarterly Growth
The second quarter of the year showcased remarkable growth, with DXB handling 20.3 million passengers, indicating a robust 43% year-on-year increase. Notably, May emerged as the most bustling month within Q2, witnessing 6.9 million passengers passing through the airport's gates.
Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, emphasized the strong demand observed in July and anticipates continued vibrancy due to the seasonal peak and the resumption of schools in August. This sentiment led to an upward revision of the annual traffic forecast, now nearing DXB's 2019 figures by a mere 1.6%.
Key Destinations and Cargo Performance
India led the list of country destinations, with 6 million passengers, while Saudi Arabia and the UK followed closely with 3.1 million and 2.8 million passengers, respectively. The bustling traffic was mirrored in cargo volumes, which witnessed a 16% YoY surge in Q2, reaching 453,500 tonnes.
Although the first half of the year's total freight volume of 853,500 tonnes marked a 6.2% decrease compared to the prior year, this growth trajectory bodes well for DXB's continued resurgence.
