Dubai airport's passenger traffic drops more than 30% in first half amid US-Iran war

Dubai International Airport experienced a 31.3% decline in passenger traffic during the first half of the year, according to the airport's operator, Dubai Airports. The conflict between the United States and Iran has significantly disrupted travel in the Gulf region, impacting Dubai Airport, a major international travel hub. In the second quarter alone, DXB welcomed 13 million passengers, bringing the total for the first six months to 31.5 million, compared to 46 million in the same period last year.

Aircraft movements dropped by 32.1% year on year, with 150,600 movements recorded in the first half. The ongoing conflict has thrown the aviation sector into turmoil, with flights cancelled, rescheduled, and rerouted. While Middle Eastern carriers, some of the world's biggest, have seen their networks disrupted, they are gradually resuming activity.

Emirates President Tim Clark reported that the airline is operating at 90% capacity. However, major carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines remain cautious and have extended suspensions on several routes. Despite the challenges, Dubai Airports highlighted the hub's resilience, noting that capacity is returning and investment continues.

The steady return of international carriers, improving connectivity, and stronger load factors signal growing demand in key markets and rising confidence ahead of the traditionally busier second half of the year. Dubai Airports had forecast passenger traffic of nearly 100 million passengers for the year before the war began.