A sign that international travel is coming back, Dubai’s international airport is once again the busiest in the world for international travel.
Passenger Numbers
Dubai International Airport (DXB) says an estimated 29 million passengers passed through the airport last year, specifically for international travel. The number allows DBX to maintain its top spot as the busiest airport for international travel. That’s up 12 percent from 2020, when the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic forced the airport to close for 2 months.
While that number is the highest in the world, it is still down from pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, DBX saw a record 86.4 million international travelers come through the airport. Dubai Airport’s CEO predicts a jump in international travel this year to an estimated 57 million passengers and a complete return to pre-pandemic numbers by 2024.
This is the 8th year DBX tops the list of busiest airports for international travel. London’s Heathrow and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport are also on top of the list, with Atlanta consistently ranking as the world’s busiest airport overall — domestic and international travel combined.
International Hub
Dubai is often looked at as a link between the eastern and western worlds, so an increase in international travel is a relatively good sign for Dubai’s economy which relies heavily on tourism.
Currently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not require a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country, nor does it require proof of vaccination. The move is intended to increase travel and tourism. Right now, Dubai is hosting a World’s Fair through the end of March 2022. The fair continues to attract global visitors, as well as royalty and celebrities.
Before heading to Dubai, be sure to read our list of the most luxurious hotels in the UAE city.
