Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing for what officials expect will be its busiest period on record, with more than 10 million passengers forecast to pass through the facility between November 27 and December 31, 2025.
The airport operator said daily passenger numbers would average over 294,000 during the UAE National Day long weekend before rising further in December, which is projected to handle more than 8.7 million passengers.
Saturday, December 20 is expected to be the single busiest day, with 303,000 passengers anticipated to use the airport. Daily figures are forecast to exceed 300,000 throughout much of December.
Record-breaking travel season begins at Dubai International with National Day weekend surge
“Dubai Airports continues to work closely with oneDXB partners including airlines, control authorities, commercial partners and airport service teams, to ensure smoother journeys,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
The passenger flow will follow distinct patterns across the five-week period. Outbound travel will dominate in the days before the National Day break as residents depart for the long weekend.
The pattern will reverse in mid-December when inbound travel increases, driven by visitors arriving for the festive season.
The airport has issued guidance to help passengers manage the increased traffic. Travellers are advised to arrive no earlier than three hours before departure and use online check-in where available.
Emirates passengers can access home check-in, early check-in, self-service facilities, and a city check-in desk at ICD Brookfield Place in the DIFC area.
Families travelling with children over 12 can use Smart Gates to pass through passport control. Emirates First and Business Class passengers departing from Terminal 3 can use the Red Carpet Smart Tunnel for passport processing without document checks.
The airport operator warned that only passengers will be permitted inside terminals during peak periods.
Passengers are advised to use Dubai Metro services to reach Terminals 1 and 3, with operating hours typically extended during peak travel periods and holidays.
The airport has made provisions for passengers with disabilities, including marked accessibility routes, staff trained to assist passengers wearing Sunflower Lanyards, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
Travellers are reminded to check travel regulations for their destinations, ensure they have required documents, and pack spare batteries and power banks in hand luggage only.
The airport’s wayfinding system, DXB Express Maps, allows passengers to navigate the facility by scanning QR codes. Facilities include restaurants, duty-free shops, hotels, and lounges.
