Dubai Airports is embarking on the winter travel season with a remarkably strong network, as both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International (DWC) prepare to accommodate the increasing travel demand. This season’s performance is marked by a significant rise in direct passenger traffic, which now represents 55% of total demand at DXB.
According to Dubai Airports, this upsurge aligns with the usual annual trend attributed to the cooler weather, an array of international business, sports, and entertainment events, as well as residents traveling abroad for holidays or family reunions. The ongoing influx of people moving to Dubai for long or medium-term stays also contributes to this growth.
Europe and Central Asia are showing substantial increases this winter, fueled by new airlines and routes, while demand from South Asia and the greater Middle East further enhances DXB’s connectivity. Noteworthy additions include Varesh Airline’s introduction of bi-weekly flights from Sari, Iran, and Fly Jinnah’s twice-weekly services from Lahore, both launched in late October and early November, respectively. These routes bolster point-to-point travel from regional hubs where winter travel to and from Dubai tends to peak.
Saudi Arabia continues to be a significant contributor, now standing as DXB’s second-largest country source, accounting for 7.8% of total passenger traffic as of October 2023. Cumulatively, traffic from Saudi Arabia reached 6.3 million through DXB and DWC, reflecting a modest annual increase of 1.3%. Specifically, DWC experienced a remarkable 459% jump in passenger numbers, reaching 173,000.
DWC is increasingly becoming an important player in Dubai’s broader aviation picture. Many airlines are leveraging its available capacity to enhance existing services at DXB. In the first ten months of this year, DWC welcomed 1.1 million passengers, a 36.6% increase, driven primarily by demand from CIS, GCC, and Western European markets. Additionally, growth in cargo and aircraft movement figures underscores DWC’s ongoing strategic advancement.
Eurowings is playing a notable role in this expansion, introducing a new daily service from Stuttgart to DXB, along with thrice-weekly flights from Düsseldorf to DWC and increased frequencies to Berlin, Cologne, and Hannover, including the launch of a Premium Bizclass service on the Berlin route.
Robert Whitehouse, vice president of research at Dubai Airports, remarked, “Winter is always a pivotal period for Dubai’s aviation sector, and the breadth of this season’s network illustrates the dynamic evolution of demand. The rise in direct traffic at both airports indicates a balanced mix of inbound visitors, residents traveling abroad, and the growing number of people calling Dubai home. This not only highlights the expansion of our connectivity but also its increasing diversity and resilience.”
As Dubai continues to solidify its status as a global travel hub, the winter season promises to bring more opportunities for travelers and the aviation sector alike, fostering a vibrant atmosphere filled with potential and growth.