Dubai International Airport (DXB) experienced a dramatic 65.7 per cent year-on-year decline in passenger numbers for March, recording just 2.5 million travellers. This significant drop was primarily driven by flight restrictions and a temporary suspension of operations following a drone-related fire near the airport amid the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
First-Quarter Performance
Overall, DXB reported 18.6 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 20.6 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. The airport's busiest country markets during Q1 were India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, while London, Mumbai, and Jeddah topped the list of city destinations.
Recovery Phase Underway
Following the lifting of airspace restrictions, Dubai Airports has now entered a recovery phase. The operator aims to increase daily flight numbers and restore airline schedules to pre-conflict levels. The incident highlights the vulnerability of global aviation hubs to regional geopolitical tensions.
