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Dubai Airport Passenger Traffic Plunges 66% in March Amid West Asia Tensions

Dubai International Airport experienced a 66% decline in passenger traffic in March due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The sharp fall dragged first-quarter traffic down to 2.5 million passengers, a 21% decrease year-on-year. India remained the largest source market, contributing 2.5 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Pakistan. CEO Paul Griffiths expressed confidence in the airport's ability to handle recovery as capacity is gradually restored.

Key Points: Dubai Airport Traffic Drops 66% Amid Geopolitical Tensions

  • Dubai airport passenger traffic fell 66% in March
  • First-quarter traffic dropped 21% to 2.5 million
  • India remains largest source market with 2.5 million passengers
  • Temporary flight suspensions occurred after drone incidents
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Dubai airport passenger traffic drops 66 pc in March amid geopolitical tensions

Dubai International Airport sees 66% passenger traffic drop in March due to West Asia tensions. First-quarter traffic down 21% to 2.5 million.

Dubai airport passenger traffic drops 66 pc in March amid geopolitical tensions
"The airport is well-positioned to handle the recovery in traffic as capacity is gradually restored - Paul Griffiths, CEO"

New Delhi, May 4

The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which began in February, have impacted the aviation sector, with Dubai International Airport seeing a steep decline in passenger traffic in March, according to reports.

Volumes were reportedly decreased by 66 per cent amid disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran.

Moreover, the sharp fall dragged first-quarter traffic down to 25 lakh passengers, a decline of 21 compared to the year-ago period.

The world's busiest international hub has witnessed several operational disruptions, including temporary shutdowns following drone-related incidents in nearby areas during the conflict, which led to widespread flight disruptions across West Asia and curtailed travel demand during the month.

While no full-year guidance was provided, authorities indicated that underlying travel demand remains robust.

Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths reportedly said that the airport is well-positioned to handle the recovery in traffic as capacity is gradually restored, reinforcing its status as a key global aviation hub.

Meanwhile, India continued to be the largest source market, contributing 25 lakh passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Pakistan. Among destinations, London recorded the highest traffic at 7.52 lakh passengers, with Mumbai and Jeddah next in line.

Earlier in March, Dubai Airport had announced a temporary suspension of flights as a precautionary measure after a drone struck a fuel tank in the vicinity.

In a post on X, the airport said flights were halted to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, while advising travellers to check with airlines for updates.

Earlier in March, restoration of flight operations to Qatar and Bahrain was announced by Air India Express amid the conflict. The airline will continue to operate flights to key destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Al Ain in the UAE; Muscat in Oman; Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia; along with Bahrain and Doha in Qatar, it said.

The airline firm has said that Kuwait services will also remain part of its Gulf network.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting that India remains the largest source market despite the chaos. Mumbai-Jeddah route seeing high traffic shows our strong trade and religious ties. Hope the situation stabilises soon for everyone's sake.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, this was expected. The drone incident near Dubai Airport spooked everyone. Temporary shutdowns are necessary for safety, but the economic impact is severe. Our government should work with UAE to ensure smooth travel for Indians working there.
J
James A
Dubai's resilience is tested again. CEO Paul Griffiths sounds optimistic about recovery, but 66% drop is hard to bounce back from quickly. Air India Express smartly keeping routes open - they'll capture demand when things normalise.
K
Kavya N
As someone who travels frequently for work, this is concerning. But kudos to the airport for prioritising safety over profits. Also, good to see London-Mumbai-Jeddah as top routes - reflects our diverse connections. Hope peace returns soon.
S
Siddharth J
Respectfully, while safety is paramount, the lack of full-year guidance suggests uncertainty. India being largest source market is both opportunity and risk. We need to diversify our Gulf dependence, but it's easier said than done.

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