Dubai International, DXB, on top 10 busiest airports list again: Key details inside

The Crown Prince of Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, took to X on Monday to announce that Dubai International, DXB, has become the second busiest airport on the planet for the first time, moving up a substantial five places from its position in 2022.

This achievement, driven by Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s visionary leadership, further reinforces the airport’s role at the forefront of global travel and connectivity, he added.

Airports Council International (ACI) recently unveiled its highly anticipated preliminary top ten busiest airports globally for 2023. The total passenger forecast for last year is almost 8.5 billion, reflecting a major recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic numbers.

Rankings highlight the important role these airports play

The rankings are based on data gathered from more than 2,600 airports across over 180 countries and territories. Several factors propelled global air travel in 2023, including China’s reopening and a greater inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.

The numbers highlight the important role these airports play in global connectivity, commerce and economic development. They continue to remain resilient amidst the serious challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel.

Factors driving DXB’s remarkable achievement

Paul Griffiths, the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, expressed immense pride in DXB’s achievement, underscoring the airport’s years-long dominance in air travel. “DXB has surpassed many records and attained numerous milestones,” he noted.

He attributed DXB’s remarkable achievement over the past decade to collaborations with multiple airlines as it significantly broadened the airport’s connectivity. In addition, he noted the importance of improving the airport experience for travellers.

Griffiths expressed his commitment to maintaining DXB’s dominant position for the next decade and beyond. Nonetheless, the numbers don’t spark substantial surprise as Dubai marked a record-breaking 17 million international visits last year.

Top 10 busiest airports in 2023 globally

– In terms of passengers

1. Atlanta, USA (ATL)

2. Dubai, UAE (DXB)

3. Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (DFW)

4. London, UK (LHR)

5. Tokyo, Japan (HND)

6. Denver, USA (DEN)

7. Istanbul, Turkey (IST)

8. Los Angeles, USA (LAX)

9. Chicago, USA (ORD)

10. New Delhi, India (DEL)

– In terms of international passengers

1. Dubai, UAE (DXB)

2. London, UK (LHR)

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS)

4. Paris, France (CDG)

5. Singapore, Singapore (SIN)

6. Istanbul, Turkey (IST)

7. Incheon, South Korea (ICN)

8. Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)

9. Doha, Qatar (DOH)

10. Madrid, Spain (MAD)