Dubai Airports ramps up flights as UAE airspace returns to normal, CEO says

Dubai Airports is significantly increasing its operational capacity and flight schedules following the return to normal conditions within United Arab Emirates airspace, according to CEO Paul Griffiths on Monday. The UAE's aviation authority had confirmed on Saturday that air traffic operations had normalized asourceser precautionary measures, initially implemented on February 28 at the onset of the conflict in Iran, were lisourcesed.

Operational Performance Amidst Regional Disruption

Despite the disruptions caused by the conflict and subsequent closures of Gulf airspace, which impacted air traffic for nearly two months, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International airports collectively managed a substantial volume of activity. Griffiths stated in a LinkedIn post that the airports processed over six million passengers, recorded more than 32,000 aircrasources movements, and handled in excess of 213,000 metric tons of cargo during this period.

Passenger Volume and Future Outlook

Dubai International Airport, recognized by the Dubai media office as the world's busiest international travel hub, reported 18.6 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026. This figure represents a decrease from the 23.4 million passengers recorded in the same period the previous year. Griffiths affirmed that "demand for travel through Dubai remains strong," indicating that DXB is prepared to incrementally expand its capacity to support airlines and travelers during what he characterized as an ongoing phase of adjustment.

Prior to the conflict and airspace disruptions, DXB's operator had projected on February 11 that the airport was on track to serve nearly 100 million passengers this year.