Dubai International Airport (DXB) has officially become the first airport in history to handle more than 95 million international travellers in a single calendar year. Figures released by operator Dubai Airports on 12 February show that 95.2 million guests transited, originated or terminated at DXB in 2025, a 3.1 per cent jump on the previous year.
The growth was remarkable for its consistency rather than isolated peaks. Every quarter, month and even the busiest single day set new records, underscoring the hub’s ability to operate at the edge of physical capacity without compromising service. Chief Executive Paul Griffiths attributed the performance to “oneDXB”—a data-sharing platform that synchronises airlines, ground handlers, immigration, customs and police, allowing real-time adjustments to stand allocation, baggage reclaim and security lanes.
Key markets continued to shift. India remained DXB’s largest source country with 11.9 million passengers, while China rebounded 16.6 per cent as eased visa rules and additional frequencies returned. The airport was linked to 291 destinations in 110 countries and served by 108 airlines, giving corporate travel managers wider network choices and redundancy for mission-critical routes.
![Dubai International Airport breaks global record with 95.2 million passengers in 2025]()
Whether you're one of the millions transiting through DXB or a corporate travel manager planning regional rotations, obtaining the correct visa can be the difference between a seamless connection and a missed opportunity. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) streamlines UAE visa applications for individuals and teams, offering real-time status updates, document checks and dedicated support—complementing the airport’s efficiency on the ground.
Operational metrics will reassure mobility managers: 99.35 per cent of departing passengers cleared passport control in under 10 minutes and 98.9 per cent cleared security in under five. Baggage performance also hit 99.75 per cent accuracy on 86.75 million bags, minimising connection risk for assignees and high-value cargo.
With a US $3 billion Concourse A refurbishment under way and a medium-term target of 100 million passengers by 2026, Dubai is doubling down on its role as a super-connector between Europe, Asia and Africa. Multinationals are likely to expand regional hubs and expatriate assignments in the emirate as capacity, route diversity and passenger throughput continue to grow.
The growth was remarkable for its consistency rather than isolated peaks. Every quarter, month and even the busiest single day set new records, underscoring the hub’s ability to operate at the edge of physical capacity without compromising service. Chief Executive Paul Griffiths attributed the performance to “oneDXB”—a data-sharing platform that synchronises airlines, ground handlers, immigration, customs and police, allowing real-time adjustments to stand allocation, baggage reclaim and security lanes.
Key markets continued to shift. India remained DXB’s largest source country with 11.9 million passengers, while China rebounded 16.6 per cent as eased visa rules and additional frequencies returned. The airport was linked to 291 destinations in 110 countries and served by 108 airlines, giving corporate travel managers wider network choices and redundancy for mission-critical routes.
Whether you're one of the millions transiting through DXB or a corporate travel manager planning regional rotations, obtaining the correct visa can be the difference between a seamless connection and a missed opportunity. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) streamlines UAE visa applications for individuals and teams, offering real-time status updates, document checks and dedicated support—complementing the airport’s efficiency on the ground.
Operational metrics will reassure mobility managers: 99.35 per cent of departing passengers cleared passport control in under 10 minutes and 98.9 per cent cleared security in under five. Baggage performance also hit 99.75 per cent accuracy on 86.75 million bags, minimising connection risk for assignees and high-value cargo.
With a US $3 billion Concourse A refurbishment under way and a medium-term target of 100 million passengers by 2026, Dubai is doubling down on its role as a super-connector between Europe, Asia and Africa. Multinationals are likely to expand regional hubs and expatriate assignments in the emirate as capacity, route diversity and passenger throughput continue to grow.
