Dubai International Airport prepares for record 10 million travellers during year-end peak

Dubai International (DXB) is preparing for one of its busiest year-end travel waves on record, with more than 10m guests expected to pass through the airport between November 27 and December 31, 2025.

The surge begins with the UAE National Day long weekend, before accelerating into what is forecast to be DXB’s busiest month ever.

Daily totals during the National Day period are projected to average more than 294,000 guests.

Dubai International Airport busy period

December is set to surpass 8.7m guests overall, with daily numbers expected to exceed 300,000.

Saturday, December 20 is likely to be the peak day, with 303,000 guests passing through the airport.

Traffic patterns will mirror previous years. Outbound travel is set to dominate ahead of the National Day break as residents take advantage of the extended weekend.

From mid-December onwards, inbound travel will rise sharply, supported by Dubai’s extensive festive and tourism calendar.

DXB continues to coordinate closely with oneDXB partners — including airlines, control authorities, commercial stakeholders and airport service teams — to ensure smoother passenger flows.

DXB travel tips

To support travellers, the airport has released a set of smart travel guidelines designed to ease congestion during the peak period. Among the key recommendations:

• Emirates passengers are encouraged to use the airline’s home, early and self-service check-in options, as well as the city check-in facility at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC
• Arrive no earlier than three hours before departure, and use online check-in where possible
• Families with children aged over 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up passport control
• Emirates First and Business Class passengers departing from Terminal 3 can use the “Red Carpet” Smart Tunnel for a quick, document-free passport check
• Ensure all travel documents meet the latest regulations for your destination
• Pack spare batteries and power banks in hand luggage only
• Say farewells at home, as only passengers will be admitted into terminals during peak periods
• Use Dubai Metro for access to Terminals 1 and 3, with extended operating hours during festive periods
• People of Determination can access enhanced support, including marked accessibility routes, discreet Sunflower Lanyard assistance and an Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2
• Travellers can use DXB Express Maps, a QR-enabled wayfinding tool for flight and gate updates

DXB also highlighted that passengers can make use of the airport’s extensive hospitality offering — including restaurants, duty free retail, hotels and lounges — before their flight.