Dubai Airport Breaks Record: 70.1 Million Passengers So Far This Year

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Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest airport for international travel, has reached a new milestone with 70.1 million passengers passing through its terminals this year. According to officials, this rapid growth underscores Dubai's importance as a global aviation hub and highlights the need for its $35 billion project to build a massive, five-runway airport at Al Maktoum International Airport. The city-state's second airport is currently hosting the Dubai Air Show, where major aircraft orders have been made by Emirates and FlyDubai. These purchases will fuel a significant expansion of the routes flown by the two state-owned airlines. "Dubai's aviation and tourism sectors continue to thrive, with record-breaking results reflecting the city's enduring appeal as a destination and layover," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. However, the city is grappling with increasing traffic and costs, which are pressuring both its Emirati citizens and foreign residents. Dubai plans to move its airport operations to Al Maktoum International Airport, about 45 km away from Dubai International Airport. Last year, Dubai International Airport saw a record 92.3 million passengers, up from 86.9 million passengers in the previous year. The city's tourism numbers have been on the rise, with a real-estate boom and increasing traffic posing challenges for the Emirate.