Business & Finance

Dubai airport reports sharp second-quarter traffic drop due to Middle East conflict

Passenger numbers fell 31.3% in the first half of the year following regional flight disruptions and Iranian strikes.

Updated Aug 26, 2026 · 13:34 UTC9 reports

The short version

Dubai International Airport reported receiving 13 million passengers in the second quarter, bringing its first-half total to 31.5 million—a 31.3% year-over-year decline.
The traffic drop followed the onset of the Iran war on Feb. 28, which led to regional airspace restrictions and minor damage to the airport from Iranian attacks.
Airport CEO Paul Griffiths stated that monthly passenger volume rose steadily throughout the second quarter and expressed confidence in a full recovery as overseas airlines resume flights.

Dubai International Airport handled 13 million passengers during the second quarter and 31.5 million in the first half of the year.[Associated Press · Associated Press · ABC News]
First-half passenger traffic declined by 31.3% compared to the same period in 2025.[Associated Press · Associated Press · ABC News]
Aircraft movements decreased 32.1% year-on-year in the first half to 150,600, with 62,500 recorded in the second quarter.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Regional air traffic disruptions and shutdowns began after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.[Associated Press · ABC News]
The Dubai airport sustained minor physical damage during attacks originating from Iran.[Associated Press · Associated Press · ABC News]
Airport CEO Paul Griffiths reported that passenger numbers expanded each month throughout the second quarter following a two-month disruption period.[Associated Press · ABC News]

The exact timeline for international carriers, particularly European airlines, to resume complete schedules at the hub remains unconfirmed.[Associated Press · ABC News]