DUBAI- According to preliminary data from the Airports Council International (ACI), Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its position as the world’s busiest international hub for passengers for the tenth consecutive year, reflecting the sustained growth in long-haul travel demand.
The top five busiest hubs for international air traffic in 2023, as reported by the trade association representing over 2,000 airports worldwide, were London Heathrow, Amsterdam’s Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Singapore’s Changi.
Dubai Busiest International Airport in the World
Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, expressed pride in DXB’s continued status as the world’s premier international airport for an unprecedented decade. He emphasized the airport’s determination to uphold its dominant position in the coming years through collaboration and innovation, shaping the future of global aviation.
In 2023, DXB, which lacks a domestic market, handled 86.9 million passengers, marking a 31.7 percent increase from the previous year.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, director general at ACI World, noted that global air travel in 2023 was primarily driven by the international segment, citing factors such as the anticipated benefits from China’s reopening and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.
This year, Dubai is anticipating the arrival of 88.8 million passengers, a figure revised upward in February from the previous forecast of 88.2 million made in November. This adjustment brings the goal tantalizingly close to the previous record of 89.1 million passengers set in 2018.
Mr. Griffiths mentioned to The National in February that DXB also projects annual passenger traffic of 93.8 million by 2025, expressing hope to achieve the milestone of 100 million passengers shortly thereafter.
This optimistic growth outlook coincides with DXB’s domestic airlines receiving more wide-body aircraft and the increasing number of foreign airlines initiating flights to this major Gulf hub.
10 Busiest AirportS Overall
According to ACI World, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport in terms of overall passenger numbers, encompassing domestic and international traffic, with 104.6 million passengers in 2023.
For the first time, Dubai International Airport (DXB) surpassed Dallas/Fort Worth in 2023 to claim the second spot in the rankings, as per ACI data. DXB, which ranked fifth in 2022 and fourth in 2019 before the Covid pandemic, highlights the emirate’s commitment to expanding its aviation sector.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira remarked,
“While airports in the US remain dominant in the top 10 busiest airports for passengers, notably Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its top position, there are significant shifts. Dubai International Airport has ascended to the second rank for the first time.”
There have been notable changes in airport rankings. Tokyo Haneda International Airport experienced a significant leap from 16th to fifth place in 2023, making it the most substantial mover within the top 10.
Istanbul and New Delhi airports maintained their positions in the top 10, securing a seventh and tenth place, respectively, reflecting significant advancements for both.
The aviation industry in India is undergoing rapid expansion, as evidenced by substantial aircraft orders from Boeing and Airbus from Air India and IndiGo, as well as government investments in the country’s extensive network of over 140 airports.
According to ACI World’s report, the shifts in global airport rankings indicate the growing prominence of Asia-Pacific and Middle East hubs alongside the enduring dominance of US airports, with five of them ranking in the top 10 for total passenger traffic.
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