India fuels record growth as Dubai International Airport hits 95 million travelers.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Dubai International Airport handled a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025; India remained the top market with 11.9 million travelers across major routes.
Key Takeaways
- •Dubai International Airport handled a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025.
- •India was the top market with 11.9 million travelers using the hub.
- •Mumbai and New Delhi ranked among the five busiest city destinations.
- •DXB forecasts nearly 100 million passengers for the 2026 calendar year.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) set a new record in 2025. The hub welcomed 95.2 million total guests. This marked a three percent increase.
India remained the largest country market. It accounted for 11.9 million passengers. This shows strong links between nations.
India's Central Role
IndiGo and other airlines drove growth. Mumbai was a very busy city. It saw 2.4 million travelers.
New Delhi also ranked very high. It recorded 2.2 million total guests. These cities support the global network.
Emirates continues to expand its reach. The airline connects India to the world. This boosts trade and local tourism.
Operational Excellence at DXB
Dubai Airports reported very smooth operations. Baggage handling reached a record high. The airport managed 86.75 million bags.
Wait times remained very short for guests. Most people cleared security quickly. This happened despite the high volume.
Aircraft load factors stayed very strong. Flights were nearly full all year. This helps airlines stay very profitable.
Future Growth and Impact
IATA data shows rising global demand. DXB expects more growth in 2026. The forecast is 99.5 million guests.
This growth impacts many global stakeholders. It creates jobs in the UAE. It also helps the Indian economy.
Dubai is now a central gateway. It links hundreds of different countries. The hub remains a leader today.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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