Dubai's DXB first-half passenger traffic falls more than 30% as Iran war disrupts travel

Dubai International Airport’s passenger traffic dropped 31.3% in the first half of the year as the Iran war disrupted travel across the Gulf, according to its operator. DXB handled 13 million passengers in the second quarter, bringing first-half traffic to 31.5 million, versus 46 million in the same period a year earlier. Aircraft movements fell 32.1% year on year to 150,600. The conflict, which began on 28 February, caused cancellations, rescheduling and rerouting globally, with soaring jet-fuel prices weighing on airlines even beyond the Gulf. While some Middle Eastern carriers have resumed activity, major players including Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines remained cautious, extending route suspensions. Dubai Airports said capacity is returning and international connectivity is improving, signaling resilient demand ahead of the airport’s traditionally busier second half.