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

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is preparing to restart domestic and international passenger flights on Sunday, October 25, following disruptions linked to missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement targeting the Saudi capital.

In a travel advisory released on Saturday, airport authorities outlined revised terminal arrangements for services operated by Saudi national airlines. From Sunday, Terminal 1 will serve domestic flights, while Terminal 2 will accommodate international services operated by national carriers.

The changes mark a step toward restoring normal passenger operations at one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest aviation hubs after the recent security incidents.

Passengers holding confirmed bookings have been advised to contact their airlines before heading to the airport to check their reservation status and confirm flight schedules.

The announcement comes amid a series of attacks attributed to the Houthi movement targeting Riyadh and other areas of Saudi Arabia, including the vicinity of King Khalid International Airport.

Saudi authorities have reported intercepting and destroying projectiles directed at Riyadh and other regions on multiple occasions. Civil Defense teams have also responded to incidents involving debris falling from intercepted projectiles.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Air travel across Italy was disrupted on Friday after a technical fault affected the country’s air traffic control systems, resulting in flight delays and cancellations.

Air traffic control provider ENAV said it had introduced temporary restrictions on air traffic capacity after detecting overnight anomalies in the data transmission network supporting air traffic services nationwide.

Authorities said the disruption was not caused by sabotage and confirmed that the technical issue had been resolved later in the day.

Data from aviation analytics company Cirium showed that 192 flights had been cancelled by around 1000 GMT. At the same time, only about 31% of departures from Italian airports were leaving on schedule.

The situation was particularly challenging at the country’s major airports. On-time departures stood at approximately 25% at Milan Malpensa Airport and 28% at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

ENAV announced at around 1325 GMT that it had restored full operational capacity, bringing the technical disruption to an end.

Source: Reuters

Saudi telecom operator STC Group is offering free, unlimited calls to and from Saudi Arabia for customers roaming overseas, helping travellers maintain contact with their families amid continuing flight disruptions.

Announced on X, the initiative runs from October 12 to October 19. STC said the offer was intended to support customers facing difficulties staying connected with loved ones during an uncertain period.

“We understand how difficult it can be to be away from family, particularly during times like these,” the company told Arab News.

STC added that free, unlimited calling would make it easier for customers outside the Kingdom to communicate with relatives and provide reassurance during the disruption.

The initiative comes as flights to and from Riyadh face interruptions following a recent attack on King Khalid International Airport.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on X that the airport’s operational suspension had been extended to allow safety inspections of its facilities to be completed. The authority did not provide a timeline for the resumption of flights.

Traveller Welcomes Initiative but Calls for Free Internet

Hisham Al-Ghasim, a Saudi citizen whose return journey from Bangkok to Riyadh was disrupted, welcomed STC’s offer but said free internet access would have been more practical.

His existing mobile package already covered calls, while internet connectivity was important for arranging alternative travel, making bookings and accessing essential applications.

He told Arab News that providing unrestricted internet access instead of free calls would have been more useful because many everyday communications and travel arrangements depend on online services.

Al-Ghasim had completed a business trip to Bangkok and was waiting for a taxi when he received a notification that his return flight had been delayed.

He said he was informed that his departure had been postponed by three days. Although he had been following developments, he had not expected his flight booking to be cancelled.

His original itinerary involved an Emirates flight via Dubai to Riyadh. He subsequently arranged to end his journey in the United Arab Emirates instead.

After reaching Dubai, Al-Ghasim contacted the Saudi Consulate General, which offered assistance with returning to the Kingdom by road through organised group transport.

Saudi Missions Assist Stranded Citizens

Saudi embassies and consulates have also been helping citizens affected by flight cancellations associated with regional security developments.

Their support includes arranging emergency accommodation and helping travellers identify alternative routes to return home as aviation disruptions continue.

Source: Arab News

flydubai has cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 14, the airline confirmed in a statement.

A spokesperson said the carrier is monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities and will notify passengers of any changes to flight schedules through its official communication channels.

Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to visit the Manage Booking section on the airline’s website, flydubai.com, to review available refund or rebooking options.

Customers who purchased tickets through travel agents should contact their agents directly for assistance.

The airline apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and said it would continue to provide updates through its official channels.

Source: Emirates247

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended services to Riyadh and Dammam, issuing a travel alert for passengers travelling to the two Saudi Arabian destinations.

The Qatari airline said it was monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia in coordination with the relevant authorities. In response to the evolving situation, the carrier halted flights to both cities until further notice.

Passengers have been urged to verify their flight status through the airline’s official website or mobile application before travelling.

Qatar Airways said the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The airline added that customers affected by the suspensions would be contacted directly, with additional updates published on its website as more information becomes available.

Source: QNA