Transfer passengers are expected to make up around 50% of total traffic, underscoring Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading global aviation hubs.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year, with around 3 million passengers expected to pass through its terminals during the first half of July.
The summer travel rush is set to begin on July 2, ahead of the closure of most schools for the summer holidays on July 3, driving a sharp increase in outbound travel.
July 12 is expected to be the busiest day, with more than 225,000 passengers forecast to travel through the airport. Daily traffic is projected to exceed 200,000 passengers throughout the two-week period.
Transfer passengers are expected to account for around 50% of total traffic, underscoring Dubai’s position as one of the world’s busiest and most connected international aviation hubs.
Summer readiness plan
Dubai Airports, together with its oneDXB partners, has activated its summer readiness plan to ensure smooth, safe and punctual journeys during the peak travel period.
Travellers are advised to arrive at the airport no more than three hours before their scheduled departure and to complete online check-in whenever possible to speed up the process. Emirates passengers can also use the airline’s home check-in, city check-in and self-service check-in options for added convenience.
Travel tips for passengers
Families travelling with children aged 12 and above can use DXB’s smart gates for faster passport clearance. Additional assistance is available for People of Determination, including dedicated accessibility routes, trained staff to support guests wearing the Sunflower Lanyard, and an assisted travel lounge in Terminal 2.
Passengers are reminded to carry spare batteries and power banks in their hand luggage only, as these items are prohibited in checked baggage under aviation safety regulations. Travellers are also encouraged to check the latest entry requirements and ensure they have all necessary travel documents before heading to the airport.
Flight information and gate updates can be accessed through DXB Express Maps, a wayfinding platform available by scanning QR codes displayed across the airport.
At Concourse B, Terminal 3, departing and transit passengers can also visit the I Heart DXB interactive installation. By uploading a selfie, travellers become part of a living mosaic of Dubai in the colours of the UAE flag and can leave handwritten messages to fellow passengers from around the world.
In 2025, Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed a record 95.2 million passengers, marking the busiest year in its history and the highest annual international traffic ever recorded by any airport.
Meanwhile, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) reflects the city’s long-term aviation ambitions. Expansion plans announced in May 2024, backed by an investment of around $35 billion, aim to significantly scale up capacity over the coming decades.
Over the next ten years, DWC is expected to handle up to 150 million passengers annually, with long-term plans to expand capacity further to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.
