Dubai International (DXB) has announced that its passenger traffic has reached 95.6% of 2019 levels, with over 21.2 million passengers in the first quarter of the year. This marks a significant increase of 55.8% compared to the first quarter of 2022, and the first time since the fourth quarter of 2019 that monthly traffic has reached 7 million passengers. March was the busiest month in the first quarter, with 7.3 million passengers, the highest monthly traffic since January 2020.
DXB currently has 234 destinations across 99 countries via 89 scheduled international carriers. India remained the top destination country, with 3 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Pakistan. The top cities by passenger numbers were London, Mumbai, and Jeddah, followed closely by Riyadh.
DXB CEO Paul Griffiths attributed the strong performance to the growth in demand seen across key markets, and the easing of travel protocols in China. He also adjusted the traffic forecast for 2023 upward to 83.6 million passengers, putting DXB within striking distance of its 2019 annual traffic.
While DXB’s passenger traffic has seen significant growth, its cargo traffic has seen a contraction of 23% compared to the first quarter of 2022, handling a total of 400,015 tonnes of cargo. This is due to the ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The total flight movements during Q1 also saw a year-on-year increase of 23%, with 100,840 movements recorded. This is 1.6% higher than Q1 of 2019, when DXB recorded a total of 99,197 movements. Load factors exceeded 2019 levels throughout the first quarter, reaching 80% in March 2023, and the passenger per aircraft movement grew 19.5% to reach 220.
Griffiths further commented that with the upcoming local seasonal peaks and festive holidays, the outlook for the second quarter and the remainder of the year remains bullish. DXB is committed to ensuring a safe and seamless travel experience for its passengers while complying with all necessary health and safety protocols.
DXB’s strong performance in the first quarter comes after a successful year in 2022, during which it clocked 66 million passengers and retained its position as the world’s busiest international hub for the ninth year running. DXB’s continued growth and adaptability have established it as a key player in the global aviation industry.
Dubai International Airport’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2023 is a testament to the resilient and growing demand for air travel despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The airport’s ability to achieve 95.6% of its 2019 passenger traffic levels is remarkable, considering the unprecedented disruption to global travel in the past two years.
The successful roll-out of vaccines across the world has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of passenger traffic, as travellers feel more confident about resuming their pre-pandemic travel habits. However, it’s worth noting that the travel industry has also had to adapt to the changing landscape, implementing a variety of measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Dubai International Airport’s management has demonstrated its ability to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, implementing a series of measures to support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. This has included the introduction of advanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, the implementation of contactless technology, and the adoption of digital solutions to streamline the travel experience.
The airport’s continued growth is also a testament to Dubai’s status as a global hub for travel, trade, and commerce. The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West has long made it an attractive destination for business and leisure travellers alike, and its world-class infrastructure and services have only enhanced its appeal.
