Traffic was up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2024, despite a record-breaking Q1 last year. January alone saw the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB - welcoming 8.5 million guests – an achievement made possible not just by infrastructure, but by the coordinated effort of thousands of people behind the scenes. 

India retained its position as DXB’s top destination country, with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000). Leisure travel also surged during the quarter, driven by a seasonal peak at the start of the year, Eid holidays, and spring break, with double-digit increases in traffic to destinations such as the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%). 

Cargo volumes registered a minor contraction of 3.6% year-on-year during the first quarter, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes of cargo.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Our Q1 performance sets a strong foundation for the year ahead, not only in terms of guest numbers, but in the calibre of the people behind them. Delivering the busiest month in DXB’s history while maintaining exceptional service levels cross baggage, guest flow, and accessibility is no small feat. It requires precision, agility, and an extraordinary team effort. 

“What makes this possible is the collective effort of our oneDXB community, with each member playing a critical role across every touchpoint. This shared culture of collaboration and consistency is what elevates our performance and ensures we meet the growing expectations of our guests, every single day.”

DXB also recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1, up 1.9% over the same period last year, with an average of 215 guests per flight. Despite the continued growth in guest volumes, DXB sustained high levels of operational efficiency. More than 21 million bags were processed in Q1, with the rate of mishandled baggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 bags per 1,000 guests, translating to a success rate of 99.8%. 

Meanwhile, the use of real-time monitoring systems and biometric passport control helped ensure that more than 95% of guests experienced minimal wait times across key airport touchpoints. Accessibility enhancements, including dedicated services for People of Determination and guests with hidden disabilities, further demonstrate DXB’s commitment to inclusive, guest-centric travel. 

In Q1, Dubai Airports was recognised with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, and in March, DXB was also named the world’s busiest international airport by Airports Council International (ACI) for the 11th consecutive year.

The accreditation, formally awarded this month during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, reinforces  DXB position among a select group of global airports recognised for absolute emissions reductions and leading initiatives with stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to drive change. 

Griffiths said: “Coinciding with Earth Day, this echoes Dubai Airports’ continued progress towards the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target. Dubai Airports has established a comprehensive long-term decarbonisation strategy, actively being put into practice through a series of impactful initiatives.” 

These include enhancing energy efficiency across buildings and infrastructure, installing the region’s largest airport rooftop solar power system at Terminal 2, introducing waste-to-compost systems and transitioning airside vehicles to biodiesel-blended fuel.

The Middle East is home to some of the world’s fastest growing and busiest airports. With regional air traffic volumes climbing, major expansion projects underway, and an increasing push for operational excellence, the pressure on airport operations is immense. Central to this complexity is communication or rather, the lack of seamless, secure, and real-time coordination across key stakeholders.

Airports in the region often struggle with fragmented communication systems. Ground crews, airport staff, control centres, and airlines typically rely on separate channels, leading to information silos. This lack of integration slows down decision-making, introduces delays, and creates avoidable operational friction. The result? A compromised passenger experience and higher operational costs due to inefficiencies.

Agnet Turnaround

Airbus’ Agnet Turnaround is built precisely to address these challenges. It offers a unified, secure communication platform that enables all parties, from apron workers to airline coordinators, to collaborate on a single, mission-critical system. Whether it’s updating flight statuses, monitoring ground operations, or responding to unexpected changes, Agnet Turnaround allows instant, secure, and reliable communication.

By breaking down communication silos, Agnet Turnaround enhances coordination between airports, ground handlers, control centres, and airlines. This improved collaboration reduces delays, minimises disruptions, and supports leaner, more agile operations. Agnet Turnaround users enjoy significant and quick financial benefits through the digitalisation of their operations, from resources management to invoicing capabilities, while increasing the productivity of operational teams. The platform’s automation capabilities, including real-time task assignments and automatic group creation based on flight numbers, streamline operations further and ensure that the right people get the right information at the right time.

Security is another cornerstone of the solution. Agnet Turnaround complies with the highest security standards, protecting sensitive operational data and ensuring that communication stays within trusted, authorised parties. This is particularly vital in a region like the Middle East, where airports are not only transportation hubs but also strategic national assets.

As airport ecosystems grow more complex, legacy systems simply cannot keep up. Airbus’ Agnet Turnaround brings clarity to the chaos enabling airports to operate with the efficiency, transparency, and speed demanded by today’s aviation landscape.

A Vision for Smarter Airports

“Agnet Turnaround represents a transformative approach to communication in airports, where seamless coordination and real-time collaboration are essential,” said Thibaut Faivre, Head of Sales and Programme Delivery for Public Safety and Security in the Middle East, Africa, and India at Airbus. “In today’s high-stakes environment, where every second counts and every delay has a cost, the ability to connect all operational actors on one secure platform is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling faster responses, reducing disruptions, and ultimately improving the passenger experience from tarmac to terminal.”

The Middle East in particular is poised to benefit. As regional hubs invest in mega-terminals and aim to become global benchmarks of efficiency and innovation, the underlying systems must evolve accordingly.

“Our airports are expanding rapidly both in physical size and operational complexity,” Faivre continues. “Agnet Turnaround is a forward-thinking solution that meets the growing demand for operational efficiency and sustainability in a rapidly evolving air transport industry. It equips airports with the tools to manage high volumes of air traffic with precision, security, and agility, all while maintaining a focus on the end-user experience.”

The award highlights DXB’s continuous efforts to introduce smart, scalable solutions that strengthen operational resilience and set new industry benchmarks.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: "Safety isn’t just about compliance — it’s the backbone of how we operate. This recognition from ACI is a testament to the commitment of our teams and partners, who work tirelessly to keep DXB running safely and seamlessly every day. At DXB, we don’t wait for challenges to arise; we anticipate them. We use data, technology, and collaboration to ensure safety evolves in step with the demands of a fast-moving industry. As the world’s busiest international airport, we have a duty not only to maintain the highest standards but to push them forward, setting new benchmarks for aviation worldwide."

The operation was officially initiated by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. From the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, Minister Uraloğlu gave the first command to Turkish Airlines pilots, enabling the simultaneous takeoff of three scheduled flights. This moment marked not only a milestone for iGA Istanbul Airport but also a turning point in the history of global aviation.

With this new system — expected to make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy — iGA Istanbul Airport now has the capacity for simultaneous takeoff and landing operations on three independent runways. As a result, the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity has increased from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This operational transformation not only optimises traffic management in Istanbul but also across European airspace, making it faster, safer, and more efficient. The additional 28 aircraft movements per hour mean shorter waiting times for airlines, fewer delays for passengers, and reduced carbon emissions for the environment.

Paving the Way to 200 Million Passengers

This innovative system plays a crucial role in supporting iGA Istanbul Airport’s vision of accommodating 200 million passengers target. As a global transfer hub, the airport will now be able to manage its intense passenger and cargo traffic even more efficiently. It also ensures long-term sustainability by preparing the airport for future traffic volumes. A key component of this system, the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, enhances the predictability of air traffic movements, improves slot allocation, and ensures more efficient runway usage.

Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member of iGA Istanbul Airport said: “I am proud to state that as of today we are officially launching triple independent runway operations at iGA Istanbul Airport, setting a precedent in Europe and once again elevating Türkiye to the top in the field of aviation. This is not only a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone. We have taken a significant step toward our goal of becoming one of the leading centres equipped with advanced technologies in global aviation. Today, we are commissioning the triple independent runway operations, a key pillar of this ecosystem. With this system, we are increasing our hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This means not only Istanbul, but also Europe’s airspace will become more efficient. Istanbul is no longer just a destination—it is now a global air transport hub.”

500 Controllers, 4,500 Hours of Training

The transformation process at İGA Istanbul Airport began in 2022. In close cooperation with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Turkish Airlines, Eurocontrol, and other international authorities, a comprehensive safety analysis and airspace design process was carried out. During this period, a total of 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of training based on specially developed operational scenarios for the new system.

The new operational structure is supported by cutting-edge solutions such as advanced radar systems, full A-CDM integration, improved slot management, and digitally optimised taxi times.

In addition, close coordination with Eurocontrol ensures seamless integration with European airspace, reduces delays, and optimises traffic flow. Air traffic control teams use the latest radar systems, navigation tools, and predictive analytics to ensure smooth operations. Real-time data enables controllers to make quick, informed decisions, while predictive tools help visualise flight patterns and prevent potential runway conflicts — a critical advantage, especially during peak travel periods.

This marks the highest volume ever processed by the company in a 12-month period.

The record reflects a 30% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand for dnata’s services. Operating from advanced facilities at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, dnata currently serves more than 120 airline customers, safely managing a broad range of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles. 

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s chief cargo officer, said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone in Dubai, the birthplace of dnata and our largest cargo station. This achievement reflects the strength of our operations and the vital role dnata plays in enabling the smooth and efficient flow of goods through the emirate.

“Our success is built on the dedication of our people and the outstanding collaboration with our industry partners and authorities, including Dubai Airports, Dubai Customs and Dubai Police. I sincerely thank them all as we continue to raise the bar for cargo handling in the region and beyond.

“We will continue to invest in our operations to contribute to Dubai’s success and growth as a major gateway for commerce, connectivity and innovation.”

Investing in technology and sustainability

dnata provides end-to-end cargo handling services with a team of over 2,000 professionals at Dubai’s two airports. Its recent investments include the rollout of OneCargo, its digital cargo management system. OneCargo automates key business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management, with an integrated, cloud-based platform. AI-driven tools and analytics provide enhanced visibility on sales and business performance, allowing customers to match real-time demand with available capacity for maximum profitability. In addition, OneCargo eliminates all redundancies and manual check sheets.

Further innovation highlights include the successful integration of autonomous drones into dnata’s operations, which significantly reduced processing times and increased accuracy in shipment tracking. 

dnata also consistently takes initiatives to enhance environmental efficiency across its operations. Most recently, it transitioned its entire non-electric ground support equipment (GSE) fleet to run on biodiesel in Dubai. The company also actively works to repurpose and recycle materials, including cargo pallets and nets, supporting broader efforts to drive circularity and reduce environmental impact across the industry.

Starting 12 June 2025, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer members, will receive dining vouchers worth USD 20 that can be used at more than 50 restaurants and cafes at Hamad International Airport (DOH), voted the Best Airport in the Middle East by Skytrax in 2025. 

Travellers, including Privilege Club Family and Student Club members, automatically become eligible for the vouchers once they add their Privilege Club or Velocity Frequent Flyer number to their flight booking at the time of booking or check-in. “Dine on Us” vouchers can be used at a wide range of dining options at DOH: from unique cafes including Ralph’s Coffee and Oreo Café; to the elegant Harrods Tea Room; and to the comfort offerings of Gordon Ramsay Burger and Street Pizza Gordon Ramsay. 

Qatar Airways chief commercial officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Affirming once again that our focus is to give passengers the best possible travel experience, Qatar Airways has partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer to reward our loyalty members with complimentary vouchers to enjoy the offerings at over 50 leading dining options at the award-winning Hamad International Airport (DOH) – voted the Best Airport in the Middle East and World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2025. We look forward to welcoming global travellers to ‘Dine on Us’.”

Privilege Club Platinum, Gold and Silver members and Velocity Frequent Flyer Platinum and Gold members flying to or from Australia with Qatar Airways or Virgin Australia will be eligible for enhanced priority experience. All membership tiers offer exclusive benefits such as seat selection, baggage allowance, lounge access, and priority check-in, boarding and baggage collection. 

Additionally, Privilege Club members can earn and spend their Avios at Qatar Duty Free. Members can also earn Qpoints while shopping and dining with Qatar Duty Free.

Eight airports operated by TAV Airports,a member of Groupe ADP, were listed among the world’s best in the Skytrax World Airport Awards. The awards were announced at the Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE), held in Madrid, Spain, bringing together over 2,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries.

Ankara Esenboğa Airport rose 13 spots this year to be included among the world’s top 100 airports. Madinah Airport maintained its 50th position.

Kazakhstan’s Almaty Airport was named the best airport in the Central Asia/CIS region, and its new international terminal, opened in 2024, was awarded “World’s Best New Terminal.” Almaty was also recognised as the second most improved airport globally. Madinah Airport was selected as the best in the Middle East.

Other airports in TAV’s portfolio—İzmir Adnan Menderes, Tbilisi, Batumi, Skopje, and Riga—were also ranked among the top 10 airports in their respective regions.

Kürşad Koçak, chief operating officer at TAV Airports, said: “As TAV Airports, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, and for 25 years we have been committed to delivering the best travel experience to our passengers. This year, we increased the number of our airports featured on the Skytrax list to eight. Ankara Esenboğa has been included among the world’s top 100 airports for the first time. Our newly opened terminal in Almaty, a significant investment, was named the best in the world. Last year, we served 107 million passengers across the 15 airports we operate in eight countries. I sincerely thank all my colleagues whose efforts made this success possible.”

With implementation of this change, IndiGo will now operate from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.

The agreement will focus on deploying smart, scalable technologies that enhance passenger experience, streamline operations and increase airport efficiency as Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its aviation modernisation plans.

Yaagoub AlNujaidi, senior vice president of digital and technology at Matarat Holding, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding with SITA underscores our unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and elevate the travel experience across all our airports.”

SITA has a strong track record in Saudi Arabia, having implemented biometric self-service systems at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, and enabling the Kingdom’s first fully biometric journey at NEOM Bay Airport through its Smart Path solution. Its systems are also in place across major airports in Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh, as well as at 22 regional airports in Cluster 2. 

“Saudi airports are growing fast, and with that comes complexity,” said Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa at SITA. “We are proud to work alongside Matarat Holding to bring in the right digital tools that keep operations smooth and passengers moving effortlessly.”