UAE aviation sector hits records in 2025 as passenger traffic surges

The United Arab Emirates aviation sector reached record milestones in 2025, driven by sharp growth in passenger traffic and expanded international connectivity, according to the state news agency WAM.

Dubai International Airport handled a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1% from a year earlier, marking the busiest year in its history and the highest annual international passenger traffic ever recorded by any airport.

Flight movements at DXB rose 3.3% to 454,800, while baggage volumes reached 86.75 million. The airport is now connected to 291 destinations in 110 countries, served by 108 international airlines.

Abu Dhabi Airports recorded more than 33 million passengers in 2025, the highest annual traffic in its history. Zayed International Airport handled 8.59 million passengers in the fourth quarter, up 13.8% year-on-year.

Cargo volumes across Abu Dhabi’s five airports rose to nearly 770,000 tons, highlighting the emirate’s growing role in global logistics, according to WAM.

Sharjah Airport reported a 13.9% rise in passenger numbers to 19.48 million in 2025, compared with 17.1 million in 2024. Flight movements increased to 116,657 as the airport expanded regional and international connections.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport surpassed one million passengers for the first time, handling 1.3 million travelers. The airport expanded its scheduled network to 16 international destinations, including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Egypt.

WAM said aviation remains central to the UAE’s tourism strategy, with expanded connectivity supporting visitor flows from key global markets.

Among carriers, Emirates operates 152 destinations in 79 countries and territories, while flydubai serves more than 135 destinations in 58 countries with a fleet of 97 aircraft.

Etihad Airways flies to 91 destinations in more than 50 countries, and Air Arabia added 30 new routes in 2025, bringing its total network to 219 destinations across hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan.

Airports across the country continued investing in infrastructure and advanced technologies to improve efficiency and passenger experience. DXB recorded mishandled baggage performance of 99.75% in 2025.

During the year, UAE airports received multiple international awards for safety, operational excellence, sustainability and customer experience, reflecting the country’s standing in global aviation, according to the agency.