Dubai International (DXB) airport is projected to welcome a record 93 million passengers by the end of this year, surpassing the earlier forecast of 91.8 million. This was revealed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, during his address at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai on Monday. Griffiths stated, "The forecast is nearly 93 million by the end of the year."
In August, Dubai International Airport reported a record 44.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, marking an 8 per cent increase year-on-year. Griffiths expressed a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, indicating that they were on track to break records with a forecasted 91.8 million annual guests for 2024.
The revised estimate anticipates a surge in passenger traffic by 6 million compared to last year's figures, when DXB handled 87 million passengers. This represents a nearly 7 per cent increase year-on-year. Dubai airport's growth has been steady post-pandemic, fueled by the strong rebound in the aviation sector, driven by revenge travel.
Dubai airport is also recognized as one of the world's most connected airports, serving 262 destinations across 104 countries through 102 international carriers by the end of June 2024. Griffiths emphasized the need for efficiency, stating, "Our clients don't want to be there any longer than possible. So it is better for us to put technology and processes in place to speed people through the airport." He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in achieving this high throughput.
Griffiths also noted the significant contribution of Emirati talent, particularly women, who now make up 78 per cent of the management team. This initiative began with the launch of the graduate programme in 2007, starting with 5,500 employees serving 30 million customers. Today, with 93 million customers and more expected by the end of the year, the staff count has reduced to 1,800, reflecting highly motivated and efficient personnel.
