Dubai International Airport (DXB) remained the world’s busiest airport for scheduled international seat capacity in November 2026, with airlines operating at the airport scheduling approximately 4.47 million seats on international flights, equivalent to 8.94 million seats in both directions, according to data from OAG, an international aviation data provider.
Dubai International Outpaces the World’s Major Airports
The figures placed Dubai International at the top of the global rankings, ahead of London’s Heathrow Airport, which came second with around 3.79 million international seats, approximately 680,000 fewer than Dubai.
South Korea’s Seoul Incheon Airport ranked third with about 3.7 million seats, followed by Singapore Changi Airport in fourth place with 3.58 million. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport took fifth place with approximately 3.25 million seats.
Hong Kong International Airport ranked sixth with 3.19 million seats, while Istanbul Airport came seventh with 3.16 million. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport secured eighth place with 3.08 million seats, followed by Bangkok Airport in ninth with 2.82 million. Frankfurt Airport completed the top 10 with 2.65 million seats.
Extensive Route Network Strengthens Dubai’s Position
Dubai International’s continued lead reflects its position as a major hub for global air travel, supported by an extensive network of flights connecting the emirate with international markets and destinations.
Emirates and flydubai, both based at the airport, play an important role in supporting this position. The two airlines continue to expand their networks by introducing new destinations and increasing flight frequencies on existing routes.
Other international airlines operating through Dubai International also contribute to its traffic, offering passengers a wider range of travel options.
Record Passenger Traffic
Dubai International retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic in 2025, marking its 12th consecutive year at the top, according to the Airports Council International’s annual report.
The airport welcomed 95.2 million passengers during 2025, an increase of 3.1% compared with 2024, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history.
During the first half of 2026, Dubai International handled 31.5 million passengers, as airline operating capacity continued to recover and demand increased during the second quarter.
By the end of June, the airport was serving 50 international airlines, providing direct connections from Dubai to 217 destinations across 99 countries.
