Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports, revealed in a post on LinkedIn that Dubai International Airport (DXB) kicked off 2026 with strong momentum, building on the remarkable performance recorded in 2025. The airport achieved new record numbers in passenger movement during the early days of January.
In his post, Griffiths noted that January 3, 2026, marked the highest daily passenger count in the airport’s history, with 324,000 travelers passing through, followed by January 4, which saw 322,000 passengers. He emphasized that these figures represent an incredible start to the new year and demonstrate the robust demand for travel through Dubai and the airport’s efficiency in managing peak traffic.
Griffiths mentioned that demand during the winter peak season has been exceptional and that Dubai Airports is experiencing continuous growth across various operational metrics. He expressed delight at the ongoing growth being successfully enabled and managed by the sector, pointing out that the airport’s capacity to transport such a large number of passengers daily with ease reflects the readiness and adaptability of the workforce.
He also underscored that operating the largest international airport in the world is a collaborative effort with various partners.
“We enjoy these busy periods as they showcase the fruits of our long-term planning and preparation. It is during challenging times that performance strength and team resilience are truly revealed,” Griffiths stated.
The CEO disclosed that December 2025 was the busiest month in the airport’s 65-year history, with around 8.8 million passengers compared to approximately 8.3 million in December 2024.
Griffiths anticipates that high passenger traffic will continue in the coming days, predicting about 3.4 million passengers will be welcomed between January 1 and January 11, 2026. This, he noted, reflects the strong international demand for travel through Dubai, be it for tourism, transit, or business purposes.
He concluded his post by stating, “We look forward to a year filled with new milestones, increased collaboration, and sustained growth in air travel through Dubai. A heartfelt thanks to our colleagues and partners who continue to work diligently to maintain smooth operations and keep the world connected through Dubai this season.”
Dubai International Airport continues to strengthen its position as a key global hub in the air transport industry, serving as a strategic pillar in the international travel ecosystem, while Dubai consistently proves its capability to efficiently and competitively handle the growing global demand.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world’s leading and busiest airports in terms of international passenger traffic, experiencing steady growth over recent years due to its status as a regional and global transit center linking East and West.
Over the past decade, the airport has recorded unprecedented increases in passenger numbers, bolstered by the expansion of national carriers such as Emirates and Flydubai, along with upgrades to airport infrastructure that have enhanced its capacity and improved the passenger experience.