Paul Griffiths

Dubai International Airport records 31% traffic drop amid Iran war disruption

Dubai International Airport recorded a about 31% drop in first-half passenger traffic due to the Iran war and resulting Gulf airspace disruptions, with 31.5 million travelers in H1 2026 and 13 million in the second quarter; however, officials say activity is gradually recovering as more international routes and capacity return. The airport remains optimistic about a return to stronger demand and connectivity later in the year as carriers resume services and load factors rebalance.