[49732] Dubai Aviation Sector Recovers: Rise in Activity After War Disruptions

Aviation Recovery in Dubai: Data and Reports

According to a report by Iran International, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, announced that demand for flights through the city remains high. Griffiths noted that with the "return of the UAE airspace to a normal state," a gradual expansion of operational activity is being carried out in accordance with infrastructure capabilities as stated in Iran International.

In parallel, DW Persian published additional data highlighting the sector's resilience. According to the report, since the beginning of the military conflict on February 28, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum Airport have handled over 6 million passengers, 32,000 flights, and 213,000 tons of cargo according to DW Persian.

Despite the encouraging data on the return to routine, the official statistics published by the Dubai Media Office indicate a decline compared to last year. In the first quarter of 2026, approximately 18.5 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport (DXB), compared to about 25 million passengers in the same period in 2025. Aviation officials verified that the airspace was opened following the cancellation of precautionary measures taken in the wake of the "war of the US and Israel against Iran" according to a DW Persian report.

Editor's note: Both channels, Iran International and DW Persian, take a critical approach toward the Iranian regime, but provide official economic data from UAE institutions regarding airport activity.