Dubai Airports Gears Up for Holiday Rush, Targets Record Passenger Growth

Dubai [UAE], November 23 – Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, has affirmed the airport’s readiness to manage the challenges of the rainy season and the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the holiday season.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Joker emphasized the airport’s advanced preparedness strategies, including close coordination with government agencies and strategic partners. “We are implementing advanced plans supported by passenger data analysis to effectively manage the expected increase in activity,” he said.

He further stated that regular meetings with stakeholders ensure seamless coordination to manage the potential influx of passengers, alongside preparing the work team to maintain operational efficiency.

Record Passenger Numbers Expected

Al Joker highlighted that Dubai Airports expects to handle more than 23.2 million passengers in the last quarter of this year, driven by holiday travel, vacations, and Dubai’s favorable weather. This would bring the total passenger count for the year to 91.9 million, reflecting the city’s continued appeal as a global travel hub.

“The number might change in the last quarter due to increased visitor traffic, and we aim to exceed expectations through regular forecast reviews,” he added.

Future Growth Projections

Looking ahead, Al Joker projected continued growth in passenger numbers, estimating over 94 million passengers in 2025 and 97 million in 2026, with a target of 100 million passengers between 2027 and 2028.

Third-Quarter Highlights

The third quarter of 2024 saw 23.7 million passengers, a significant increase from the 21.8 million passengers recorded in the second quarter. For the first nine months of the year, Dubai Airports handled 68.6 million passengers, a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Al Joker also noted a 6.4% rise in flight numbers, with 327,000 flights recorded during the same period, underscoring sustained growth in air traffic.