Dubai airport reports sharp drop in second quarter traffic due to Iran war’s effects

Dubai International Airport, a top global travel hub, reported a significant decline in passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2025, attributed to the ongoing war in Iran. The airport saw 13 million passengers, a sharp 31.3% decrease compared to 31.5 million in the first half of the year. This downturn followed the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran on February 28, leading to air travel disruptions and route changes by many travelers.

The airport experienced a 32.1% drop in air traffic, with only 62,500 movements in the second quarter, down from 150,600 in the first half. CEO Paul Griffiths acknowledged the disruption's impact but expressed optimism about a swift return to full operation, anticipating the restart of overseas airlines, especially from Europe.