Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again taken the crown as the busiest airport in the world for international passengers — a title it’s held now for an astonishing 11 years in a row. The airport saw a surge in international travelers in 2024, reaching a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers and beating its own previous high of 89.1 million set in 2018.

The ranking, released by Airports Council International (ACI), places DXB far ahead of its closest rivals. London Heathrow came in second, trailing Dubai by nearly 13 million passengers. In third place was South Korea’s Incheon International Airport, which also saw strong growth, but still fell short of Dubai’s numbers.

What’s more impressive is that Dubai’s passenger figures nearly match those of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which held onto the top spot globally for total passenger numbers (including both domestic and international travelers). Dubai International Airport, which doesn’t serve domestic flights, still managed to claim second place overall, followed by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Global air travel has been on a strong rebound, and the 2024 numbers reflect that momentum. Total global passenger traffic reached nearly 9.5 billion last year — a 9% jump compared to 2023, and even 3.8% higher than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped international travel.

Dubai’s consistent performance is not just about the numbers — it speaks volumes about the city’s role as a global transit hub. Thanks to strategic investments in infrastructure, world-class services, and its geographic advantage, DXB continues to connect millions of people across continents, reinforcing Dubai’s place at the center of global aviation.

As airports worldwide continue to recover and expand, Dubai’s ability to not just maintain but grow its international dominance is a clear sign of long-term planning, smart execution, and the city’s deep commitment to innovation and excellence in travel.