Dubai Outpaces Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Zayed, And Other International Airports In Skyrocketing UAE Travel Growth With A Historic Performance Surpassing All Expectations

Published on November 22, 2025

Dubai outpaces Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Zayed, and other international airports in skyrocketing UAE travel growth with a historic performance surpassing all expectations, driven by record-breaking passenger numbers and a surge in new airline routes. The UAE’s aviation sector has witnessed impressive growth across its airports in 2025, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) leading the way by handling millions of passengers and setting new quarterly traffic records. This growth is fueled by strategic expansions, enhanced connectivity, and a booming demand for air travel, positioning the UAE as a dominant player in the global aviation industry.

The UAE’s aviation sector is enjoying a remarkable surge in growth, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) leading the charge. As the country continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for air travel, airports in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Zayed, and beyond have also contributed to a record-breaking year in terms of passenger traffic. The country’s strong recovery and growth in travel can be attributed to several factors, including new route launches, expanded services, and strategic partnerships with international airlines.

Dubai International Airport: Setting the Benchmark for Passenger Growth

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is once again setting the benchmark for the country’s aviation sector. DXB handled a staggering 70.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 1.9% year-on-year increase during the third quarter. This performance was so impressive that it set a quarterly passenger record in the airport’s 65-year history. By the end of September, DXB’s 12-month rolling traffic reached a record-breaking 93.8 million passengers, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s busiest international airports.

DXB’s growth was further bolstered by a strong performance during the summer months, particularly in Q3, with 24.2 million passengers traveling through the airport between July and September. The airport also saw significant increases in flight frequencies and aircraft movements, contributing to the overall rise in travel.

Abu Dhabi Airports: Strong Growth Fueled by Strategic Expansion

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) continues to see strong passenger growth, driven by the Emirate’s robust growth strategy. By the end of September 2025, Abu Dhabi Airports handled 24.29 million passengers, including 8.49 million passengers recorded in Q3 alone. This growth comes as no surprise given the Emirate’s aggressive investment in expanding its aviation infrastructure and increasing its global connectivity.

One of the major contributors to Abu Dhabi’s growth has been the launch of new routes and partnerships. For example, Jazeera Airways resumed flights to Abu Dhabi, connecting the capital city with Kuwait, while China Eastern Airlines launched daily flights to Shanghai, and Ethiopian Airlines began operating daily services to Addis Ababa. These new connections have strengthened Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub, attracting travelers from key global markets.

Abu Dhabi’s growth has also been supported by the continued success of Etihad Airways, the national carrier. With an impressive 18% year-on-year growth, Etihad’s success has played a pivotal role in driving traffic through the Emirate’s airports. This growth is further reflected in the rise in the number of flight movements, with the airport seeing a 6% increase in flights during Q3.

Sharjah International Airport: A Steady Performer with Impressive Gains

Sharjah International Airport has solidified its position as a major regional player, contributing significantly to the UAE’s overall passenger growth. The airport handled 14.2 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, underscoring its steady performance amid a booming aviation landscape. In Q3, Sharjah saw 5.13 million passengers, representing an impressive 16.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Sharjah’s growth can be attributed to its strategic location and its increasing role as a transit hub for travelers connecting between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The rise in both scheduled and unscheduled flights—up 10.7% compared to last year—has allowed Sharjah to maintain strong operational performance while capitalizing on the growing demand for regional and international travel.

Zayed International Airport: A Vital Contributor to Abu Dhabi’s Growth Strategy

While Abu Dhabi International Airport has seen significant traffic increases, Zayed International Airport continues to play a key role in boosting the Emirate’s aviation profile. The airport has witnessed an influx of airlines joining its network in recent years, further enhancing its ability to cater to both domestic and international travelers.

In 2025, Zayed International Airport reported consistent growth in both passenger traffic and flight movements, as new carriers such as Air Seychelles, operating six flights per week, and Ethiopian Airlines bolstered the airport’s offerings. The airport’s recent expansion has been critical in helping Abu Dhabi attract new international markets, and its future prospects remain strong.

Al Ain International Airport: Targeting Regional Expansion

Al Ain International Airport, while smaller compared to its counterparts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has shown potential for growth, particularly in serving regional routes. The airport is increasingly becoming a key entry point for travelers within the UAE, connecting them to neighboring countries in the Middle East and beyond. In 2025, Al Ain saw a boost in local and regional traffic as more travelers opted for the airport’s quieter, more convenient services.

Plans for expanding Al Ain’s connectivity and modernizing its infrastructure are already underway, and the airport is expected to see further growth in passenger traffic in the coming years. Although not as large as other UAE airports, Al Ain International plays a crucial role in diversifying the country’s aviation offering, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Future Prospects: Dubai’s Ambitious Goals and UAE’s Aviation Vision

Looking ahead, Dubai International Airport and its counterparts in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other UAE airports are poised for further growth. The UAE government has placed a strong emphasis on continuing to invest in aviation infrastructure, with a specific focus on sustainability and innovation. Dubai Airports, for instance, is working on expanding its terminals and adding new features such as smart check-in kiosks and automated baggage handling systems, all designed to improve the passenger experience.

As part of the UAE Vision 2030, the government is focused on making its airports more efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced. New developments, including the Dubai South Airport and the Navi Mumbai International Airport, are expected to further enhance connectivity between the UAE and global destinations, boosting its role as a vital aviation hub.

In conclusion, the aviation sector in the UAE continues to soar to new heights. Dubai International Airport has outpaced its counterparts in terms of passenger growth, solidifying its position as a global leader in air travel. Abu Dhabi Airports have also made significant strides, thanks to strategic expansions and growing international partnerships. Meanwhile, Sharjah International and Zayed International have solidified their roles as key contributors to the country’s growing aviation footprint.

Dubai outpaces Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Zayed, and other international airports in skyrocketing UAE travel growth with a historic performance surpassing all expectations, driven by record-breaking passenger traffic and new route expansions. This growth highlights Dubai’s continued leadership in the country’s aviation sector.

With ongoing investment in infrastructure and a commitment to expanding connectivity, the UAE’s airports are set to continue their rapid growth trajectory, making the country a key player in the global travel and tourism industry.