DXB expects 312,000 travelers on December 28; tips to navigate peak crowds.

December 16, 2025 at 03:11 PM•2 min read

Dubai International Airport anticipates 312,000 passengers on December 28, marking its busiest day.

Key Points

1Dubai International Airport (DXB) expects 312,000 passengers on December 28, making it the busiest day of the year.
2December 2025 is projected to be DXB's busiest month ever, with over 8.7 million passengers passing through.
3Travelers should use online check-in, arrive three hours early, and utilize the Dubai Metro to navigate peak crowds.
4DXB provides Smart Gates for quick passport control and enhanced support for People of Determination.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has revised its festive travel projections, identifying December 28 as its busiest day of the year with an anticipated 312,000 passengers. This updated forecast surpasses the earlier peak prediction of 309,000 travelers on December 20. The entire month of December 2025 is set to become DXB's busiest in history, with Dubai Airports forecasting over 8.7 million passengers and daily volumes consistently exceeding 300,000 as residents and visitors travel for the holiday period.

The shift in the peak day to December 28 reflects increased passenger volumes between Christmas and New Year's Eve, underscoring Dubai's growing popularity as a festive destination. With 312,000 passengers, DXB will operate at near-full capacity. Travelers should anticipate busy terminals, extended queues at check-in and security, and crowded departure gates, prompting Dubai Airports to advise thorough preparation.

To mitigate congestion, Dubai Airports has issued smart travel tips. Passengers are encouraged to check in online, arrive no earlier than three hours before their flight, and ensure all travel documents are ready. Only passengers are permitted inside terminals during peak times. For faster transit, families with children over 12 can utilize Smart Gates, while Emirates First and Business Class passengers at Terminal 3 can use the "Red Carpet" Smart Tunnel. Using the Dubai Metro for airport access is strongly recommended to avoid road and parking congestion. Additionally, packing spare batteries and power banks in hand luggage will expedite security checks. DXB also provides enhanced support for People of Determination, including accessibility routes and staff assistance.

This December 28 peak is part of a larger travel surge that commenced in November and extends through December 31, with Dubai Airports projecting over 10 million passengers traversing the hub over five weeks. This record-breaking month solidifies Dubai International's standing as one of the world's busiest aviation hubs.