Dubai International (DXB) is gearing up for a busy end to the summer holidays, with families returning from vacation and students traveling back to Dubai ahead of the new academic year.
Between August 13 and 25, 2025, DXB is expected to welcome more than 3.6 million guests, with daily averages reaching 280,000.
The busiest day is forecast to be Friday, August 15, with traffic set to exceed 290,000.
Dubai welcomes 9.88 million guests in H1 2025
The back-to-school surge follows a record-breaking first half of 2025, which saw Dubai welcome 9.88 million international overnight visitors, a 6 percent increase year-on-year. During the period, DXB handled over 46 million guests, reaffirming its position as the world’s biggest international airport.
Dubai Airports is working with the oneDXB community, including airlines, control authorities and commercial and service partners, to ensure a seamless, stress-free journey for every guest during this busy travel period.
Read: Etihad Airways passenger traffic grows 19 percent to 2 million in July 2025
Tips to ensure a smooth journey
Here are some top essential tips and guidance to help you navigate DXB with ease during the back-to-school peak season:
- For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
- Keep passports, boarding passes and any necessary visas handy to speed up clearance.
- Make the most of the DXB experience with various amenities in lounges, dining and shopping outlets and duty-free.
DXB also recommended using the Dubai Metro, with stations conveniently located at Terminals 1 and 3. Guests can also choose from a variety of other transport options, including Uber, Careem, RTA taxis, or car rentals.
Furthermore, enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
