Dubai International Airport is on the cusp of a historic aviation milestone, poised to become the first airport in the world to welcome 100 million passengers in a single calendar year. This landmark achievement, expected in late 2026 or during 2027, comes alongside a profound shift in passenger behaviour, with more travellers now choosing Dubai as their final destination rather than merely a connection point.
The Great Shift: From Hub to Destination
In a dramatic reversal from the pre-pandemic era, the primary role of the world's busiest international airport is changing. Where once it was dominated by transfer traffic, a clear majority of passengers are now starting or ending their journeys in the Emirate. In 2019, only around 40 per cent of travellers were origin and destination (O&D) passengers. According to newly released figures, that proportion has now surged to 55 per cent.
Robert Whitehouse, Vice-President of Research at Dubai Airports, stated that this growth "reflects a balanced mix of inbound visitors, outbound travel from residents and the many people choosing to make Dubai their home." This trend is underscored by increased flight capacity from key markets like the UK, where both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have added more seats from London Heathrow this winter, with most passengers disembarking in Dubai.
New Routes and Soaring Tourist Appeal
The airport's soaring passenger numbers are fuelled by a constant expansion of its global network and Dubai's relentless development as a tourist magnet. Recent new connections include twice-weekly flights from FlyArystan (Aktau, Kazakhstan), Varesh Airlines (Sari, Iran), and Fly Jinnah (Lahore, Pakistan). Traffic from Saudi Arabia has also risen sharply, with projections of eight million passengers to and from the kingdom by year's end.
The city's allure for tourists is undeniable, anchored by landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. A relentless pipeline of new hotels, restaurants, and attractions continues to draw visitors. This destination appeal is reshaping the competitive landscape of Middle Eastern aviation hubs.
The Global Hub Context
While Dubai's transfer traffic declines as a proportion, it remains a critical player. It first claimed the title of the world's busiest international hub in 2014, overtaking London Heathrow. However, it faces stiff competition from rivals like Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and the future Riyadh Air base.
The contrast with other hubs is stark. At Doha's airport, three out of four passengers are transferring, predominantly on Qatar Airways. Abu Dhabi, home to Etihad, has seen connecting traffic drop to about half. Globally, transfer percentages vary widely: Amsterdam (64%), Singapore (63%), Frankfurt (48%), Istanbul (48%), Paris CDG (29%), and Hong Kong and London Heathrow (both 22%).
As Dubai prepares to smash the 100 million passenger barrier, its evolution from a pure connecting hub to a powerful dual-purpose gateway and destination signals a new chapter in global aviation and tourism.
