Dubai International Airport sees passenger numbers drop over 30% amid Iran conflict

Dubai International Airport experienced a 31.3% reduction in passenger throughput during the first half of the year, according to its operator. The airport welcomed 13 million passengers in Q2, resulting in a six-month total of 31.5 million, compared with 46 million in the same period last year. Aircraft movements dropped 32.1% over the same timeframe.

The downturn follows the Iran war, which started on February 28 and has unsettled aviation across the Gulf, prompting cancellations, reroutes and soaring jet-fuel prices. While Emirates reported operating at roughly 90% of its capacity, other major carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines remain cautious, extending suspensions on several Middle-East routes. Despite the challenges, Dubai Airports highlighted a gradual return of international airlines, improving load factors and ongoing investment in the hub.