Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Dubai Airport Traffic Falls 31.3% Amid Iran War Disruptions
Dubai’s main airport had far fewer travelers during the first half of the year.
It handled 31.5 million passengers, compared with 46 million during the same period a year earlier.
A war involving Iran disrupted flights across the Gulf region.
Many flights were cancelled, moved to different times, or rerouted.
The number of planes using the airport also dropped.
However, more airlines have started bringing back flights.
Passenger numbers increased each month from April through June.
The airport says demand is returning and expects a busier second half of the year.
Some major airlines are still cautious about restarting certain regional routes.
Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half, down 31.3% from 46 million a year earlier.
Aircraft movements fell 32.1% year on year to 150,600, while cargo volumes declined 28.7% to 751,340 tonnes.
The conflict disrupted Gulf aviation through flight cancellations, rescheduling, rerouting and continuing airspace constraints.
Monthly passenger volumes rose from 3.5 million in April to 5 million in June as airline capacity gradually returned.
Dubai Airports expects stronger second-half traffic from restored routes, higher transfer demand, the winter schedule and Dubai’s events calendar.
- Who
- Dubai Airports, operator of Dubai International Airport, reported the figures; airlines and travelers were affected.
- What
- Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport fell 31.3% in the first half, alongside declines in aircraft movements, cargo and baggage volumes.
- When
- During the first six months of the year, with figures reported on Wednesday, August 26.
- Where
- Dubai International Airport in Dubai, amid disruptions across the Gulf region.
- Why
- The Iran-related conflict disrupted regional aviation through flight cancellations, rescheduling, rerouting and airspace constraints.
Disruption Concerns
Recovery Outlook
Current traffic conditions
Disruption Concerns
The conflict caused a 31.3% passenger decline, a 32.1% fall in aircraft movements and continuing constraints on Gulf airspace.
Recovery Outlook
Dubai Airports said passenger volumes rose each month in the second quarter as capacity and connectivity returned.
Airline operations
Disruption Concerns
Major carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines remained cautious and extended some route suspensions.
Recovery Outlook
Middle Eastern carriers were gradually resuming activity, and Emirates President Tim Clark said the airline was operating at 90% capacity.
Second-half prospects
Disruption Concerns
The airport’s earlier forecast of nearly 100 million passengers for the year was made before the war and the disruption it caused.
Recovery Outlook
Dubai Airports expects stronger second-half growth from restored routes, increased transfer traffic, relaxed travel advisories, the winter schedule and Dubai’s business, leisure and sporting events.
- First-half passengers
- 31.5 million, down from 46 million a year earlier
- Second-quarter passengers
- 13 million
- Aircraft movements
- 150,600, down 32.1% year on year
- Cargo volume
- 751,340 tonnes, down 28.7% year on year
- Airline connectivity
- Nearly 50 international airlines serving 217 destinations across 99 countries
- Baggage handling
- 30.3 million bags processed; 2.7 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers
- Recovery outlook
- Dubai Airports expects stronger traffic in the second half as routes and frequencies return
