Air Arabia will launch a new nonstop service between Sharjah International Airport and Amman City Airport (ADJ) in Jordan on November 15, 2026.

The new route will operate four times a week, making Amman City Airport the second airport in Jordan’s capital served by Air Arabia from Sharjah. The service will complement the airline’s existing flights to Queen Alia International Airport, strengthening air connectivity between the UAE and Jordan.

Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer Adel Al Ali said the new route represents an important addition to the airline’s Jordan operations and will provide passengers with access to a second airport in Amman.

The new service also expands Air Arabia Group’s existing presence in Jordan. The group currently operates nonstop flights from Zayed International Airport to both Amman City Airport and Queen Alia International Airport, while Alexandria International Airport also offers direct services to Amman City Airport.

Source: WAM

Dubai International Airport (DXB) celebrates its 66th anniversary on September 30, 2026, marking a transformation from a small airfield into one of the world’s leading hubs for international passenger traffic.

Since opening in 1960 with a 1,800-metre sand runway and a modest terminal, the airport has undergone decades of expansion to accommodate larger aircraft, rising passenger demand and an increasingly extensive global route network. By September 2026, cumulative passenger numbers had exceeded 1.5 billion, according to an announcement by Dubai Airports during a Dubai government media briefing.

The airport’s development has closely tracked Dubai’s economic transformation, with expanding air connectivity supporting the emirate’s growth in tourism, trade, logistics and international investment.

From a sand runway to modern aviation infrastructure

The foundations of modern Dubai International Airport were laid in 1959, when the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum ordered the construction of a new airport for the emirate.

When the facility officially opened on September 30, 1960, it featured a 1,800-metre compacted-sand runway, an aircraft apron, a small passenger terminal and a fire station. Initially designed for smaller aircraft, the airport gradually expanded as demand for air travel increased.

Aviation had already been part of Dubai’s transport landscape, with seaplanes accounting for much of the emirate’s earlier air traffic. The development of scheduled air services created a need for infrastructure capable of accommodating larger aircraft and more passengers.

A major breakthrough came in May 1965, when a nearly 2,800-metre asphalt runway entered service. The upgrade enabled larger aircraft and jetliners to operate at the airport. Comet aircraft operated by Middle East Airlines and Kuwait Airways were among those arriving during this period.

The new runway marked a turning point, positioning the airport to support Dubai’s expanding international connections and economic ambitions.

Emirates and flydubai accelerate connectivity

Dubai’s rapid economic expansion during the 1970s and 1980s drove further investment in airport infrastructure and flight capacity. The airport increasingly supported the emirate’s development as a centre for trade and re-export.

The launch of Emirates in 1985 opened another chapter in DXB’s growth. The airline built an extensive international network from Dubai, strengthening the airport’s role as a connecting hub between global markets.

flydubai, which began operations in 2009, further expanded links with regional and international destinations.

The opening of Terminal 3 in 2008, dedicated to Emirates, represented another major investment in passenger-handling capacity. More broadly, the airport’s business model evolved beyond serving arriving and departing flights to facilitating connections between countries, airlines and markets.

A decade at the top of international passenger traffic

Dubai International Airport reached a significant global milestone in 2014, when it became the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, handling 70.4 million passengers.

DXB retained its leading position over the following decade. In 2024, it marked 10 consecutive years at the top of the international passenger traffic rankings, recording 92.3 million passengers, up 6.1% from 2023.

Over that decade, the airport handled more than 700 million passengers across over 3.3 million flights.

Traffic continued to climb in 2025, when DXB welcomed a record 95.2 million passengers, an increase of 3.1% year on year. The airport described the figure as the highest annual international passenger traffic recorded by any airport worldwide. Aircraft movements reached approximately 454,800 during the year.

Cumulative passenger numbers surpass 1.5 billion

DXB’s long-term growth is also reflected in its cumulative passenger figures.

At its 60th anniversary in 2020, the airport had handled 1.115 billion passengers across more than 7.47 million flights since opening. Its network connected more than 240 destinations in 95 countries.

By September 2026, cumulative passenger numbers had surpassed 1.5 billion. That represents an increase of approximately 385 million passengers in six years, despite significant challenges facing the global aviation industry during the period.

The airport’s historical milestones also illustrate the pace of its expansion. It took 51 years to serve its first 500 million passengers, while the cumulative total reached one billion after a further seven years, according to the historical sequence cited in the source material.

2026 growth amid regional challenges

DXB continued to handle substantial passenger volumes in 2026, despite difficult operating conditions affecting regional air traffic during the first half of the year.

The airport welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first six months. Traffic recovered gradually in the second quarter as airlines restored some capacity, with monthly passenger numbers rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and five million in June.

Dubai Airports Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths said in September that DXB was projected to handle around 70 million passengers in 2026. He also indicated that annual traffic could reach 100 million by the end of 2027 as airlines rebuild their operational capacity.

Aviation’s wider contribution to Dubai’s economy

DXB’s importance extends well beyond passenger movements. Aviation has become a major contributor to Dubai’s economic activity, supporting tourism, trade, logistics and employment.

A study by Oxford Economics, commissioned by the Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, found that aviation contributed 27% of Dubai’s gross domestic product in 2023. The sector generated AED 137 billion in total added value and supported 631,000 jobs.

The study projected that aviation-related activities would contribute AED 196 billion by 2030, equivalent to 32% of Dubai’s projected GDP at 2023 prices. Employment supported by the sector was forecast to reach 816,000, an increase of 185,000 jobs compared with 2023.

These figures underline the role of aviation as an integral part of Dubai’s wider economic system rather than simply a means of transporting passengers.

Air cargo strengthens Dubai’s global trade links

Freight operations form another important part of Dubai’s aviation network, supported by the emirate’s geographic position, ports, free zones and integrated transport infrastructure.

In 2024, DXB handled approximately 2.2 million tonnes of air cargo, up 20.5% from 1.8 million tonnes in 2023.

The increase reflects the airport’s role in moving high-value goods and time-sensitive shipments. Its links with sea and land transport also support Dubai’s wider logistics and re-export activities.

Smart technology reshapes the passenger journey

DXB is increasingly using digital systems to streamline airport procedures and improve the passenger experience, from arrival formalities to departure.

During the first half of 2026, more than 9.4 million passengers used smart travel services at Dubai airports, including smart gates and the Red Carpet service.

Approximately 9.02 million travellers completed procedures through smart gates, while more than 439,000 used the Red Carpet service.

Supported by artificial intelligence and biometric technology, the service has reduced average processing time for crossing procedures from 12.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds. The system can process up to 10 travellers simultaneously.

These developments reflect a broader shift towards biometric identification, reduced reliance on paper documents and fewer interruptions during airport processing.

Al Maktoum International Airport prepares for future demand

As DXB marks 66 years of operations, Dubai is also developing its next major aviation gateway at Dubai World Central, home to Al Maktoum International Airport.

In 2024, Dubai approved a second phase of the airport’s expansion, backed by an investment of $35 billion. The plan aims to provide capacity for 150 million passengers annually over the next decade, with the ultimate objective of accommodating more than 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo each year.

The final development plans include five runways, four concourse buildings and more than 400 aircraft gates. They also provide for an automated passenger transport system and integrated connections with the city’s road, metro and air transport networks.

In June 2026, the Dubai government confirmed that major project packages remained under implementation. These include the West Terminal, Concourse 4, the automated passenger transport system and the baggage-handling system, indicating progress beyond the initial planning stage.

Key milestones in DXB’s history

• 1959: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum orders construction of a new airport for Dubai.

• 1960: DXB opens on September 30 with a 1,800-metre sand runway and a small terminal.

• 1965: A nearly 2,800-metre asphalt runway enters service.

• 1983: Dubai Duty Free opens.

• 1985: Emirates begins operations.

• 1988: Annual passenger traffic reaches 4.3 million.

• 1998: Passenger traffic exceeds 9.7 million, and Terminal 2 opens.

• 2000: Concourse C opens, raising annual capacity to 23 million passengers.

• 2008: Terminal 3 opens, increasing annual capacity to 60 million passengers.

• 2009: Passenger traffic exceeds 40.9 million, and flydubai begins operations.

• 2013: Concourse A, dedicated to A380 aircraft, opens.

• 2014: DXB handles 70.4 million passengers and becomes the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic.

• 2018: The airport welcomes its one-billionth international passenger since opening.

• 2019: Passenger traffic reaches 86.4 million.

• 2025: DXB records 95.2 million passengers, its busiest year on record.

• 2026: Cumulative passenger numbers surpass 1.5 billion.

From a sand runway in 1960 to a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, Dubai International Airport’s history mirrors the emirate’s transformation into a major global centre for business and travel.

After 66 years, DXB remains central to Dubai’s international connectivity, while investment in technology, capacity and integrated transport systems is shaping the next stage of development. As Al Maktoum International Airport advances, Dubai is preparing for further growth in passenger traffic, cargo operations and global aviation links.

Source: Emirates 247

Airport design, digital innovation and passenger experience took centre stage at the 13th Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), held alongside the 25th Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event brought together government representatives, aviation specialists and technology providers to examine emerging solutions for improving airport efficiency, strengthening operational resilience and preparing infrastructure for future demand.

Discussions focused on Dubai’s aviation development plans, closer cooperation across the airport ecosystem, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics and digital identity in simplifying passenger journeys.

Dubai Puts Passenger Experience at the Centre of Airport Planning

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said Dubai’s ambition to develop the world’s largest airport involves more than increasing infrastructure capacity. Improving the passenger experience remains a central consideration in its development strategy.

He stressed the need for adaptable airport designs that can accommodate emerging technologies and respond to changing industry requirements.

Al Zaffin described the Airport Show as an important meeting point for airport developers, technology companies and operational specialists to share expertise and assess new solutions.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s establishment 25 years ago, he said its original purpose was to bring airport technologies together in one location, allowing industry professionals to explore innovations without travelling to multiple countries.

He added that the initiative has delivered benefits for Dubai and the wider region. Continued support for the event remains important as rapid technological advances increase the need for infrastructure capable of incorporating new solutions over time.

Collaboration and Resilience Shape Aviation Priorities

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, identified collaboration, operational resilience and innovation as key priorities for the aviation sector.

He said passengers view their airport experience as a single, continuous journey rather than a collection of separate services. Improving capacity and service quality therefore requires stakeholders to coordinate their activities, establish common objectives and develop trust.

Cooperation becomes particularly important during operational disruptions, he noted, when effective responses depend on clear leadership, teamwork, established relationships and lessons from previous incidents.

Al Joker also highlighted the potential of intelligent systems to identify emerging challenges and help airports address them before they affect passengers. However, he stressed that technology investments should produce measurable benefits, including more reliable, efficient and straightforward journeys.

Workforce development is another essential element, he added. Employees must be equipped with the expertise and decision-making skills needed to turn technological capabilities into better passenger services.

City Terminal Trial Cuts Journey Time by Around 60%

Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), outlined a vision for airport innovation by 2032, in which technology works largely behind the scenes to make travel simpler.

He argued that the most advanced airport may not be the one where passengers see the most technology, but the one where technology makes the journey easier without drawing attention to itself.

The approach combines AI, digital identity, biometrics and real-time data analytics to anticipate congestion, improve resource allocation and deliver personalised information and assistance. It also recognises the differing requirements of business travellers, families, transit passengers and Persons of Determination.

Al Shamsi presented findings from the ‘City Terminal’ pilot project, which aims to extend airport services to urban locations so passengers can complete key travel procedures before arriving at the airport.

The trial included check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening and passport control outside the airport. Passengers were then transported in secure vehicles directly to the airport concourse, extending the concept beyond conventional city check-in facilities.

According to Al Shamsi, the process reduced total journey time from at least 120 minutes to approximately 45 minutes, a reduction of around 60%.

He said the findings demonstrate how airport procedures could be redesigned, challenging traditional assumptions about where the passenger journey begins.

Al Maktoum International Airport Offers Opportunity for New Design

Al Shamsi said the Al Maktoum International Airport project provides an opportunity to integrate infrastructure, technology and passenger services from the beginning rather than retrofitting new systems into existing facilities.

Building flexibility into the airport’s underlying design would help it accommodate emerging technologies, evolving operating models and changing passenger expectations.

“Our ambition is not to build an airport with more technology, but an airport that becomes better because of technology,” he said.

Dubai Seeks Stronger Aviation Connectivity

Khalid Ibrahim Saif, Director of Aviation Economics and Growth at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), called for a broader approach to aviation development that moves beyond responding to operational disruptions and focuses on sustainable growth and stronger connectivity.

He said rising air travel demand requires economic growth to be matched by infrastructure investment and improvements in operational efficiency.

Saif also emphasised closer coordination between airports, airlines and regulatory authorities, supported by smart technologies and data-driven decisions.

Greater integration, he said, would help build a more resilient aviation sector capable of responding to future challenges, maintaining competitiveness and improving the passenger experience.

The forum highlighted a common priority among aviation leaders: combining adaptable infrastructure, intelligent technology and coordinated operations to accommodate growing passenger demand while making air travel more efficient, accessible and seamless.

Source: TradeArabia

Frankfurt Airport recorded 6.1 million passengers in September 2026, marking a 1.6% increase compared with the same month last year. Continued school holidays in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg supported leisure travel demand, contributing to the monthly growth.

Across airports managed by Fraport, passenger traffic increased by 2.7% to approximately 21.1 million during the month.

Despite September’s improvement, Frankfurt Airport handled around 47.5 million passengers between January and September, down 0.2% year on year. Fraport reported that Lufthansa strikes affected nearly 700,000 passengers over the period. Without the disruption, passenger traffic would have increased by approximately 1.3%, the airport operator said.

Cargo performance also improved in September, with throughput rising 2.5% to 174,773 tonnes. However, aircraft movements declined 3.5% to 40,539. Domestic flight activity recorded a sharper contraction of 25.2%, partly reflecting the suspension of services to Bremen and Stuttgart.

Most international airports in Fraport’s portfolio reported passenger growth. Ljubljana Airport recorded the strongest increase, with traffic rising 16.6%, followed by Lima at 10.5%. The combined passenger numbers for Burgas and Varna grew 8.6%, while Fraport’s 14 Greek airports collectively registered a 4.2% increase.

Airports in Fortaleza and Porto Alegre, Brazil, recorded combined growth of 2.1%. Meanwhile, Jericoacoara Airport appeared in Fraport’s traffic statistics for the first time, contributing 27,272 passengers.

In contrast, Antalya Airport in Türkiye recorded a 1.7% decline in passenger traffic, handling approximately 5.1 million passengers during September.

Source: Aviation24.be

Saudi Arabia is facing questions over its decision to stop issuing public warnings of imminent attacks before a series of deadly strikes hit Riyadh's international airport, killing at least 18 people and injuring more than 300.

The Saudi government has not explained why public alerts were absent before four attacks on the airport over the past week. The warnings had previously informed residents about security threats linked to the Kingdom's conflict with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

Four Western and Arab officials in the region, along with political analysts, told Reuters that the absence of warnings raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's vulnerability to attacks and its ability to protect residents and visitors. They also suggested the decision reflected an effort to preserve a sense of normality despite the security situation.

Sultan Alamer, a US-based Saudi academic and senior resident fellow at the Middle East Policy Council, said the government appeared to be balancing military action with efforts to reassure the public and international stakeholders.

Saudi Civil Defence, which operates under the Interior Ministry and manages emergency alerts, did not respond to emailed questions about the lack of warnings. The government media office also did not respond to requests for comment.

On Monday, Civil Defence issued its first public threat alerts since September 29, warning of potential dangers in Riyadh and cities in southern Saudi Arabia. Reuters said it could not establish whether the renewed alerts were directly linked to the airport attacks.

Early Warning System Falls Silent

Gulf countries have faced Iranian missile and drone attacks since the US-Iran war began in February, but their approaches to public warnings have differed.

Qatar's Interior Ministry has issued mobile phone alerts before nearly every attack, including incidents in July when residents were instructed to remain indoors and stay away from windows. Bahrain and Kuwait have also repeatedly sounded sirens urging people to seek shelter.

Saudi Arabia introduced a national early warning system in May, distributing threat alerts through mobile phones and social media. However, the system stopped issuing public threat warnings despite a rise in Houthi attacks before last week's airport strikes.

According to posts on the Civil Defence account on X, the last alert before the recent attacks was issued on September 29 for the southern province of Najran.

Authorities continued issuing warnings about dangerous weather, including heavy rain and flooding, during the period without military threat alerts. Civil Defence also reminded residents not to circulate images, rumours or information about missile interceptions and impact locations. The restrictions are covered by government regulations introduced in March.

Reuters could not establish whether anyone had been prosecuted for sharing such information. Saudi authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

Two officials with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that representatives of an allied Western government had asked Saudi authorities why public alerts had stopped before the airport attacks. According to the officials, the response was that the alerts caused disruption and that many residents had complained about being woken during the night.

Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment on that account.

Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said the government was attempting to respond to security threats without causing widespread disruption. However, he argued that the absence of warnings had increased public anxiety rather than reduced it.

Analysts Question Saudi Arabia's Air Defence Capacity

Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government, said the country's vast territory made it difficult to protect every strategic location against aerial attacks.

He pointed to the scale of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, including airports, pipelines and oil facilities, and said available missile defence systems and interceptors could not provide comprehensive protection across the entire country at once.

Shihabi argued that Saudi Arabia faced a continuing need for additional air defence capabilities.

Despite the attacks, Riyadh hosted an international energy conference on Monday, although several major oil executives withdrew from the event.

Speaking at the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, a brother of the Saudi crown prince, defended the Kingdom's ability to continue its economic plans while acknowledging the ongoing risks.

He thanked international delegates for travelling to Riyadh and said they understood that the country was safe, while also cautioning that the gathering did not mean the danger had passed.

The minister reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to its long-term vision and development objectives.

Western Embassies Issue Internal Security Alerts

Although Saudi Arabia had not issued public military threat alerts during much of the period, Riyadh reportedly came under attack approximately a dozen times, two Western officials told Reuters.

Western embassies in the Kingdom continued sending internal warnings about potential missile and drone threats to their staff, according to three people familiar with the matter and alerts reviewed by Reuters.

One source said the warnings drew on intelligence from the United States and other Western governments, alongside information provided by Saudi authorities.

Embassy staff received internal alerts around the time of two earlier airport strikes, the sources said. However, they said no internal warning had been received before Saturday's attack, the deadliest of the recent incidents. Reuters could not determine why the warning was absent.

Saudi state television released footage of Saturday's strike on Sunday. The images showed passengers waiting inside the airport terminal, with travellers queuing to board a flight and others sitting in chairs while looking at their mobile phones.

The footage then showed a bright orange flash from an explosion, illustrating the attack's impact on a civilian airport environment.

The absence of public warnings before the strikes has intensified questions about Saudi Arabia's approach to communicating security threats, protecting civilians and maintaining public confidence during the continuing conflict.

Source: Reuters News

Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until Saturday, October 17, as heightened security concerns disrupt air travel and prompt international airlines to suspend or reschedule flights to the Kingdom's capital.

The extended suspension was announced by the country's civil aviation authorities to allow further assessments and safety procedures to be completed before airport operations resume. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Monday stated that the airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17.

The closure has affected one of Saudi Arabia's major international aviation gateways, forcing carriers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East to adjust their schedules amid reported missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory.

The security situation has also prompted aviation regulators in the United States and Europe to issue or strengthen warnings for airlines operating in Saudi airspace.

International Airlines Extend Flight Suspensions

Several international carriers have announced cancellations or postponed services to Riyadh, with some restrictions extending beyond the latest airport closure deadline.

According to a Reuters report, Lufthansa Group has cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Air France-KLM has extended its suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of October.

Etihad Airways has cancelled flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam because of regional disruptions. The airline said services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh would remain suspended until October 19.

Qatar Airways has also temporarily halted flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam, citing the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has postponed the planned launch of its Atlanta-Riyadh route from October 23 until March 2027, Reuters reported.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised American carriers on Sunday to exercise caution when operating flights to or over Saudi Arabia. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also expanded its warning concerning Saudi airspace on Friday, citing potential threats from missiles and drones.

Saudi Arabia Reports Missile Interceptions

The latest developments followed reports of further missile activity targeting Saudi Arabia.

Late on Monday, the Houthis claimed to have launched a ballistic missile towards King Khalid International Airport. The announcement came shortly after Saudi authorities reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh.

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards Khamis Mushait had been intercepted and destroyed.

The reported attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of civilian aviation infrastructure and the potential risks to aircraft operating in the region.

Saudi Minister Reaffirms Commitment to National Security

Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary has reiterated the Kingdom's determination to protect its territory, citizens, residents and critical infrastructure amid continuing security threats.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 37th government press conference in Riyadh, Al-Dossary condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The minister said Saudi Arabia remained committed to protecting its security, safeguarding its resources and continuing its development programmes despite the threats.

He stressed that protecting citizens and residents remained the government's highest priority, adding that the Kingdom had the capabilities and preparedness necessary to respond to aerial, missile and drone threats.

Al-Dossary also highlighted national unity and praised the efforts of security personnel and the armed forces in defending the country and its holy sites.

He said repeated attacks demonstrated the Houthi militia's disregard for international law and moral and religious principles, particularly when civilians and essential infrastructure were placed at risk. He added that Saudi Arabia would continue to respond firmly to threats against its security and stability.

Protection of Pilgrims and Religious Sites

Addressing concerns about attacks affecting religious sites, civilian areas and critical infrastructure, Al-Dossary said the evolving security environment required continued vigilance and preparedness.

He warned that attacks involving airports could endanger innocent travellers, including Umrah performers, pilgrims travelling to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

Saudi airports serve large numbers of religious visitors throughout the year, making the protection of aviation facilities particularly important for both transportation and pilgrimage operations.

The minister said government agencies across the military, security, health and public service sectors were coordinating their efforts to ensure a comprehensive response to emergencies and protect the public.

He added that the Kingdom's heightened state of readiness should not be viewed as a cause for public alarm. Instead, he described it as part of preparations for different possible scenarios while maintaining security and allowing daily life to continue.

Source: TradeArabia