DXB First-Half Passenger Traffic Drops 31.3% During Iran War
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DUBAI, August 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport fell 31.3% in the first half of 2026 after the war with Iran disrupted aviation networks across the Gulf, according to figures released by airport operator Dubai Airports.
DXB handled 31.5 million passengers during the six-month period, compared with 46 million a year earlier. Second-quarter traffic accounted for 13 million of the first-half total.
Aircraft movements declined at a similar rate, falling 32.1% year on year to 150,600.
The conflict, which began on February 28, forced airlines to cancel, reschedule and redirect flights across the region. Its effects extended beyond Gulf routes as higher jet-fuel prices increased pressure on carriers internationally.
Middle Eastern airlines have gradually restored parts of their networks. Emirates President Tim Clark said last month that the Dubai-based airline was operating at 90% of capacity.
The recovery remains uneven. Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines are among the major international carriers that have maintained suspensions on a number of routes in the region.
Dubai Airports said capacity and international connectivity were beginning to recover while demand remained resilient.
“The steady return of international carriers, improving connectivity and strengthening load factors signal resilient demand across key markets and growing confidence ahead of DXB’s traditionally busier second half,” the operator said.
Before the war began, Dubai Airports had forecast that annual passenger traffic would approach 100 million in 2026.
Source: Reuters
