Dubai, UAE – Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again claimed the title of the world’s busiest international airport, recording an impressive 60.2 million seats in 2024. This represents a 7% increase in airline capacity compared to 2023 and a remarkable 12% growth from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. DXB’s continued dominance underscores Dubai’s strategic importance in global aviation.
The latest data from OAG highlights DXB’s exceptional performance in 2024, ranking it as the second busiest airport globally, trailing only Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), which handled 62.7 million seats. The global airport rankings account for total airline capacity, while the international rankings focus solely on international seat capacity.
This achievement reflects the UAE’s pivotal role as a leader in aviation, supported by advanced infrastructure, strategic geographic location, and robust operational systems. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently reported over 1 million air traffic movements across the UAE in 2024, cementing its reputation as a global aviation hub.
Top 10 Busiest International Airports in 2024
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB) – 60.2 million seats (+7% year-on-year, +12% vs. 2019)
2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – 48.4 million seats (+4% vs. 2023)
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) – 41.6 million seats (+24% vs. 2023, -2% vs. 2019)
4. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – 41.5 million seats
5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) – 40.0 million seats
6. Istanbul Airport (IST) – 38.6 million seats (+20% vs. 2019)
7. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – 38.5 million seats (+5% vs. 2023)
8. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – 35.7 million seats
9. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – 34.3 million seats (+40% vs. 2023, -23% vs. 2019)
10. Hamad International Airport, Doha (DOH) – 32.5 million seats (+13% vs. 2023)
DXB’s closest rival, London Heathrow Airport (LHR), ranked second with 48.4 million seats, marking a 4% increase from 2023. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) secured third place with 41.6 million seats, reflecting a 24% surge in capacity compared to 2023 but falling slightly behind its 2019 performance.
Busiest Global Airports of 2024
Globally, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) led the rankings with 62.7 million seats, maintaining its top position from 2023 and 2019. DXB followed in second place, while Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) ranked third with 55.2 million seats, a 5% increase from 2023.
Other notable mentions include:
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), ranking fifth globally, saw an 18% increase compared to 2019.
• Denver International Airport (DEN), in sixth place, reported a 24% growth in capacity, the highest among the top ten global airports.
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) climbed from 15th in 2023 to ninth in 2024, with a 29% rise in capacity, driven by China’s continued recovery in air travel.
In contrast, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) rounded out the global top 10 with 46.99 million seats, witnessing an 8% increase from 2023 but a 7% decline compared to 2019.
DXB’s continued success as the world’s busiest international airport is a testament to Dubai’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the aviation sector, further solidifying its position as a gateway to the world.