Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled around 6 million passengers during weeks of regional airspace disruption, maintaining operations despite significant challenges, Dubai Airports said on Monday. Between late February and April 30, the airport recorded more than 32,000 aircraft movements and processed 213,000 tonnes of cargo, ensuring continued global connectivity even as flight schedules were widely affected.
DXB operated at reduced capacity, with airlines adjusting routes and timings based on available airspace amid ongoing regional constraints.
The impact of the disruption was reflected in first-quarter performance. Passenger traffic dropped to 18.6 million in Q1 2026, marking a 20.6 per cent decline compared to the same period last year. In March alone, traffic fell sharply to 2.5 million passengers, down 65.7 per cent.
Cargo volumes and aircraft movements also declined during the period, reflecting broader operational pressures.
Despite these challenges, airport operations continued through close coordination between airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic authorities. Major carriers, including Emirates and flydubai, played a key role in maintaining flight operations.
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said maintaining smooth operations at DXB was critical to global travel, adding that the focus remained on safety and consistent service through rapid coordination.
Dubai continues to play a key role as a global aviation hub, particularly for transit passengers. As airspace conditions begin to stabilise, authorities expect passenger traffic to recover in the coming months.
