Dubai International Airport has maintained its position as the world’s largest international airport in terms of scheduled seat capacity for international departures in September, according to a monthly report from the international data provider OAG.
The total number of scheduled seats for international flights departing from Dubai exceeded 5.1 million in September 2025 (10.2 million for round-trip international flights), compared to approximately 4.92 million seats scheduled in September of the previous year, reflecting a growth rate of about 3.6%.
This increase in seat capacity comes amid continued strong growth at Dubai Airport, marked by a rise in the number of flights and the opening of additional new routes compared to last year.
OAG reported that Dubai International Airport remains the world’s busiest international airport for September, based on the number of scheduled seats occupied by airlines on international flights. London Heathrow follows in second place with 4.1 million seats, while Amsterdam Airport holds third with around 3.6 million scheduled seats, also closely matched by Istanbul Airport with about 3.6 million seats.
The data reveal that Dubai International Airport ranks second globally in total seat capacity for both international and domestic flights combined, just behind Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which recorded 5.12 million scheduled seats in September. Tokyo’s airports accounted for about 4.6 million seats for both flight types.
The robust performance of Dubai International Airport underscores the strength of the aviation sector in the emirate and its exceptional ability to meet growing demand from international markets. The airport’s strategic location, connecting over 260 destinations worldwide, enhances its status as a major hub for air travel. The diverse operational network involving both national and international airlines provides broader options for travelers, stimulating tourism and business, and reaffirms its vital role as a key driver of the UAE’s economy.
Additionally, data indicate that Dubai continues to attract new airlines, further contributing to the overall increase in capacity and facilitating sustainable growth rates.