Dubai, April 14, 2025 — Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again secured its position as the world’s busiest international airport, according to the latest annual report from Airports Council International (ACI). The airport welcomed 92.3 million passengers in 2024, marking a 6.1% year-on-year increase and surpassing its pre-pandemic peak in 2019 by 3.8%.
The Gulf megahub, which serves as the primary base for Emirates Airlines, continues to outpace global recovery trends, bolstering its reputation as a key player in international aviation and global connectivity.
Global Travel Rebound Gains Momentum
ACI’s report highlighted a resilient rebound in air travel worldwide, with total passenger traffic growing by 9% to approximately 9.5 billion travelers in 2024. This milestone marks a significant leap in the aviation sector’s recovery, though ACI cautioned that the pace of growth is expected to moderate in 2025.
“Airports like Dubai are not just travel gateways — they are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and human connection,” said Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. “Their resilience and innovation are keeping the world moving forward, despite a challenging global landscape.”
Atlanta Tops Overall Traffic Rankings
While DXB led in international passenger numbers, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport maintained its status as the world’s busiest airport overall, driven largely by its domestic traffic. The U.S. airport handled 108.1 million passengers in 2024, placing it ahead of Dubai and Dallas-Fort Worth in total volume.
India Climbs the Ranks
Asia also saw significant representation on the global stage. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport ranked eighth globally, having handled 77.8 million passengers last year. This performance pushed Shanghai’s airport down one position, underscoring India’s growing influence in global aviation.
Cargo Champions
In terms of air freight, Hong Kong International Airport retained its title as the busiest cargo hub, processing 4.9 million metric tonnes in 2024. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, the airport has managed to maintain its dominance in the logistics sector.
As international air travel continues its upward trajectory, airports like Dubai are leading not only in numbers but also in shaping the future of global mobility and logistics — reinforcing their roles as strategic nodes in the interconnected world economy.
