Dubai International Airport traffic drops 31% amid Iran conflict

Dubai International Airport aviation industry Middle East conflict passenger traffic decline air travel disruption

Dubai International Airport (DXB) reported a 31.3% decline in passenger traffic during the first half of 2026, totaling 31.5 million travelers compared to 46 million in the same period in 2025. The downturn is attributed to the regional instability caused by the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.

Operational metrics also saw significant decreases: aircraft movements fell by 32.1% to 150,600, and cargo volumes dropped by 28.7% to 751,340 tons. The airport itself sustained minor damage during attacks from Iran, and many airlines have adjusted or suspended routes to avoid the region's airspace.

Despite these challenges, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths noted a positive trajectory, with passenger volumes increasing monthly throughout the second quarter—rising from 3.5 million in April to 5 million in June. The airport expects a stronger second half of the year as international carriers restore capacity and connectivity improves.

Entities

Dubai Airports · Dubai International Airport · Emirates · Iran · London Gatwick · Paul Griffiths

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] Passenger traffic in the first half of 2026 decreased by 31.3% compared to the same period in 2025. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, 2026. www.aerotime.aero · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · news.az · www.al-monitor.com
[● 7 SOURCES] Dubai International Airport handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Aircraft movements totaled 150,600 in the first half of 2026, a 32.1% year-on-year decline. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Cargo volumes reached 751,340 tons in the first half of 2026, down 28.7% year-on-year. www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl
[● 5 SOURCES] Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths stated that passenger volume has been increasing monthly throughout the second quarter. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl
[● 7 SOURCES] Dubai International Airport recorded 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, 2026. www.aerotime.aero · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · news.az · www.al-monitor.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Cargo volumes reached 751,340 tons during the first half, down 28.7% year on year. www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dubai International Airport suffered minor damage during attacks from Iran. srnnews.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The passenger count represents a 31.3% drop compared to the same period in 2025. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · news.az · +1 more
[DISPUTED] CEO Paul Griffiths noted that passenger volume has been steadily increasing each month during the second quarter. srnnews.com · www.aerotime.aero · www.hosteltur.com · kiosquedaaviacao.pt · luchtvaartnieuws.nl