Dubai International loses 31.5 million passengers in H1 2026 amid Iran conflict

August 26, 2026 at 02:37 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, a 31.3% drop from the same period in 2025. Aircraft movements fell 32.1% to 150,600 and cargo volumes declined 28.7% to 751,340 tons. The decline followed the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began on February 28, 2026, but passenger volumes recovered from 3.5 million in April to 5 million in June.

Key Facts

Dubai International handled 31.5 million passengers in January–June 2026, down 31.3% year on year.
Aircraft movements totaled 150,600 in H1 2026, a 32.1% decline from H1 2025.
Cargo volumes reached 751,340 tons in H1 2026, down 28.7% year on year.
The US-Israel-Iran military conflict began on February 28, 2026, disrupting air travel across the Gulf region.
Monthly passenger volumes rose from 3.5 million in April 2026 to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June.

Traffic Collapse

Dubai Airports reported on August 26, 2026 that Dubai International welcomed 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, a 31.3% drop compared with the same period in 2025. Aircraft movements totaled 150,600 during the first half, down 32.1% year on year. Cargo volumes reached 751,340 tons, a 28.7% decline from the first half of 2025. The number of processed baggage units decreased by approximately 28%.

Regional Conflict Impact

The military conflict between the US, Israel and Iran began on February 28, 2026, throwing the Middle East and Gulf region into turmoil. Iran launched missiles and drones against countries in the region, including Dubai, prompting many airlines to avoid the area. Air traffic in the region nearly came to a halt, with many flights cancelled or rerouted, severely impacting one of the world's largest aviation hubs.

Recovery Signs

Passenger volumes increased throughout the second quarter, rising from 3.5 million in April 2026 to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the first half tested every part of the aviation system and demonstrated resilience. Griffiths noted that as capacity steadily returns, demand is responding immediately, particularly for international transfers at DXB. Dubai Airports anticipates stronger momentum in the second half of 2026, supported by recovering airline networks, rising transfer traffic, easing travel advisories, and Dubai's event calendar. In 2025, Dubai International welcomed a record 95.2 million guests, the highest annual international traffic ever recorded by any airport.