Dubai International Airport Ranked Globally Second for Passenger Traffic in 2023

Five of the top 10 busiest airports in the world for 2023 for total passenger traffic were in the US and Dubai international airport (DXB) has been ranked second in the list for the tenth successive year, which was released by Montreal-based Airports Council International (ACI) World on Monday.

However, DXB was ranked first in terms of international passengers and was followed by other airports including London, Amsterdam, Paris, Singapore, Paris, Incheon, Frankfurt, Doha and Madrid respectively.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been ranked first in the list and DXB surpassed the Dallas Forth Worth International Airport in third position. The biggest jump in the top 10 rankings is recorded for Tokyo Haneda, leaping from 16^th position in 2022 to the 5^th spot in 2023.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is set to host the 2024 ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition, from 23 to 26 September in Atlanta.

The top 10 airports representing close to 10% of global traffic (806 million passengers), witnessed a gain of 19.8% from 2022 or a gain of 0.7% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (801 million pax in 2019).

The list showcased significant shifts driven by the resurgence of international air travel. The global total passenger forecast for 2023 stood close to 8.5 billion, reflecting a remarkable recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic levels.

Notably, international traffic recovery drew nearer to that of domestic traffic, emphasizing its essential role in propelling the industry’s resurgence and expansion, ACI World said.

The influx of passengers at international airports has been central in bolstering the recovery of hubs reliant on this segment, consequently influencing the composition of the top 10 busiest airports for total passengers.

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said that global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fuelled by the international segment, propelled by several factors. Among these were the anticipated benefits from China’s reopening and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.

“Notably, cargo continues to play a key role in world commerce despite the year-over-year decrease. Hong Kong International Airport has maintained the top position, followed by Memphis International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Doha International Airport rejoins the top 10, jumping to number 8 with a growth of 6.3% over 2019,” he said.

“The rankings highlight the crucial role these transportation hubs play in global connectivity, commerce, and economic development. Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel. ACI World remains dedicated to advocating for airports worldwide throughout pivotal stages of policy formulation and to advancing the pursuit of airport excellence,” he added.

Airport rankings are based on data gathered from over 2,600 airports across more than 180 countries and territories globally. This vast dataset places ACI World in a distinctive position as the foremost authority on airport travel demand, ensuring the utmost accuracy and reliability in its rankings.

Remarkable Achievement

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said that while this milestone was greatly anticipated, its official confirmation instils us with great pride. DXB is proud to uphold its status as the world’s foremost international airport for an unparalleled ten years.

He said that throughout this decade, DXB has surpassed many records and attained numerous milestones, from welcoming our billionth passenger to introducing new terminals and facilities, collaborating with numerous airlines to broaden connectivity to diverse global destinations, all the while enhancing every aspect of the airport experience for our guests.

“This remarkable achievement underscores Dubai’s collaborative ethos. Our success owes much to the collective efforts of all service partners within the airport community and the broader aviation, travel, and tourism sectors. Together, we have bolstered Dubai’s reputation as the premier destination, offering unparalleled travel experiences worldwide,” he said.

He also said that DXB was determined to maintain its dominant position for the next decade and beyond. Through sustained collaboration and innovation, they were poised to shape the future of global aviation, ensuring DXB remains synonymous with excellence across every facet of the passenger journey.