Dubai International Airport Named World’s Busiest International Hub for 11th Consecutive Year
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its position as the busiest airport in the world for international passenger traffic for the eleventh year in a row, demonstrating the emirate’s vital role as a major hub for international aviation. Airports Council International (ACI) World made this news after releasing its yearly rankings on April 14, 2025.
Passenger Surge Breaks Records
The number of foreign passengers that DXB handled in 2024 was 92.3 million, up 6.1% from 2023 and 7% from 2019, the pre-pandemic benchmark. This expansion highlights both the tenacity of Dubai’s aviation industry and the ongoing demand for long-haul travel around the world.
Following Dubai, London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon secured second and third spots, respectively, while Singapore Changi and Amsterdam Schiphol rounded out the top five busiest international airports.
Global Rankings: All Flights Considered
With 108.1 million passengers served in 2024, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in the United States continues to top the globe in both domestic and international traffic. Dallas/Fort Worth and Dubai International were the world’s top two.
With 77.8 million passengers, India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) also performed well, ranking ninth in the world and demonstrating the swift expansion of air travel in South Asia.
Asia-Pacific Resurgence
Shanghai Pudong International Airport was a notable performer in 2024, rising from 21st in 2023 to 10th in 2024. China’s loosened visa regulations, the return of foreign travel, and the Asia-Pacific region’s overall recovery all contributed to the spike.
Challenges Amid Growth
The aviation sector nevertheless confronts a number of challenges in spite of the remarkable recovery. These include supply chain interruptions that impact aircraft deliveries, increased airport and airline operating expenses, geopolitical unrest that modifies flight paths and passenger attitudes, and trade restrictions that impact the development of airport facilities.
The Road Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With a 4.8% growth rate over 2024, ACI predicts that there will be 9.9 billion passengers worldwide in 2025. But according to the organization, this growth is changing from a quick post-COVID recovery to a more gradual, structural increase.
Infrastructure investments and a growing middle class are predicted to drive this trend in emerging nations. On the other hand, capacity constraints and manufacturing bottlenecks in the aircraft production industry may result in slower growth in established markets.
Statement from ACI Leadership
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci emphasized that global hubs like Dubai are “vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity.” He praised the resilience of these airports, stating that as air travel grows, ACI is committed to supporting its members in navigating new challenges and ensuring efficient movement of people and goods.
