Dubai International Airport Anticipates Robust Recovery in Second Half After Iran Conflict Impacts Q2 Growth

Dubai International Airport (DXB) anticipates stronger momentum in the second half of the year as airlines restore their route networks and transit traffic rebounds, following a period where the Iran war dampened travel demand at the hub during the second quarter.

The airport handled 13 million passengers in the April to June period, declining from 22.5 million travelers during the same timeframe last year, as the US-Iran conflict triggered widespread travel disruptions across the Middle East. These figures dragged first-half passenger traffic down to 31.5 million, marking a 31.3 per cent decrease compared with the same period in 2025 amid regional airspace constraints. The operator described this in a statement on Wednesday as one of the most challenging operating environments in the airport's history.

"The first half of the year tested every part of the aviation system and demonstrated our resilience. As capacity steadily returns across the board, demand is responding immediately. That is particularly important for DXB, where international transfers account for a significant share of traffic," said Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths.

Airlines restored capacity and demand improved over the course of the second quarter, with passenger volumes climbing from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and five million in June despite the year-on-year traffic decline. This progress has left the operator optimistic regarding travel demand for the second half of the year.

"Strong performance across the airport community in recent months has left us well placed to accommodate returning demand, work closely with our airline partners, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub," Mr. Griffiths added.

Since the war began at the end of February, DXB has suspended operations multiple times due to local drone attacks. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport also sustained damage during the initial days of Iranian strikes, primarily from debris falling from intercepted drones, while airports in Bahrain and Kuwait faced attacks as well.

Renewed fighting between the US and Iran compelled numerous airlines, predominantly from Western Europe and the US, to extend flight suspensions across the Middle East due to safety concerns. By the close of the first half of 2026, DXB was served by almost 50 out of 90 international airlines, according to the operator. Nevertheless, the steady return of international carriers, improving connectivity, and strengthening load factors point toward resilient demand across major markets and growing confidence ahead of DXB's traditionally busy winter season.

Looking forward, Dubai Airports expects stronger momentum in the second half of the year, supported by the ongoing recovery of airline networks and frequencies, rising international transfer traffic, easing travel advisories across key source markets, the winter schedule, and Dubai's full calendar of global business, leisure, and sporting events.

Meanwhile, Emirates airline, which generates a major portion of traffic at DXB, is operating at 90 per cent capacity with fully booked premium cabins, as stated by airline president Tim Clark to Reuters at the Farnborough Airshow in July.