Dubai International Airport Gears Up for Record Year-End Travel Surge

Published on November 29, 2025

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing for an exceptional year-end travel surge, expecting over 10 million passengers to pass through the airport between 27 November and 31 December 2025. This busy period will see a significant rise in traffic, driven by holidaymakers and seasonal travellers taking advantage of the UAE’s national celebrations and Dubai’s festive calendar.

A Strong Start: Holiday Travel Kicks Off with Eid Al Etihad

The surge begins with the long Eid Al Etihad weekend, marking a high point for outbound travel as residents take advantage of the extended break. During this time, daily guest numbers are expected to exceed 294,000 on average. As the holiday season progresses into December, daily arrivals are expected to rise sharply, peaking at over 300,000 guests per day in mid-December. This spike in traveller numbers reflects both outbound and inbound flows as residents return from their holidays and international visitors arrive for Dubai’s world-renowned festivals.

Record-Breaking December Forecast

The month of December 2025 will set a new benchmark for Dubai International as it anticipates more than 8.7 million guests passing through its terminals. If forecasts hold, this will be the busiest month in the airport’s history, eclipsing previous traffic records. The busiest day is expected to be 20 December, when approximately 303,000 passengers are projected to pass through DXB, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub.

This massive influx of passengers will coincide with Dubai’s vibrant cultural and festive events, drawing visitors to the city from around the world. The combination of holidays, international tourism, and Dubai’s status as a key global transit hub will contribute to the anticipated increase in foot traffic.

Coordinated Efforts to Manage the Surge

Dubai Airports is already working closely with its partners, airlines, airport service teams, and control authorities, to manage the expected surge efficiently. This collaboration, part of the “oneDXB” initiative, aims to ensure that passengers experience a smooth, seamless journey despite the high volumes. Efforts will include enhancing check-in processes, optimising baggage handling, and ensuring minimal disruption at security checkpoints.

Given the scale of the anticipated traffic, passengers are advised to plan ahead. Experts recommend arriving at least three hours prior to departure, especially during peak days. Additionally, many travellers are being encouraged to use online check-in services and take advantage of off-site baggage drop options to streamline the process. Airport authorities are also focusing on public transport and other ways to minimise congestion around the airport terminals.

Key Insights into Passenger Patterns

The traffic flow will follow a distinct pattern during the festive period. Early in the season, outbound travel will dominate, with residents heading abroad for the Eid Al Etihad break. As the calendar turns toward mid-December, the focus will shift to inbound travel as international visitors arrive in droves for Dubai’s cultural celebrations, shopping festivals, and winter weather.

Dubai’s festive calendar, with its rich blend of events ranging from world-class shopping festivals to New Year’s Eve celebrations, is expected to draw a diverse group of tourists, further boosting passenger numbers at DXB. Moreover, many travellers will be passing through Dubai as a stopover, taking advantage of the airport’s well-connected routes and the city’s increasing appeal as a global tourism hotspot.

Looking Ahead: Dubai’s Continued Growth as a Global Aviation Hub

Dubai’s ambitious growth plans in aviation and tourism are evident in the year-end travel projections. DXB continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s busiest airports, handling record passenger volumes year after year. In 2024, the airport welcomed 92.3 million passengers, a record number, and it looks set to build on this success in 2025 with even greater numbers expected during peak seasons.

As Dubai continues to enhance its airport infrastructure, Dubai Airports and its partners remain committed to delivering a world-class travel experience. This commitment is vital as the city attracts more visitors, solidifying its status as a key global destination and a transit hub that connects the East and West.

A Record-Breaking Year-End for Dubai International Airport

The year-end period at Dubai International Airport (DXB) in 2025 is set to be one for the record books. With over 10 million passengers expected to travel through DXB from 27 November to 31 December, this marks a peak in both passenger numbers and Dubai’s role as a global aviation leader. With coordinated efforts across all sectors of the airport’s operations, Dubai International aims to deliver a seamless travel experience during one of the busiest times of the year. As Dubai continues to thrive as a top destination, its airport remains a key player in the global travel ecosystem.