Passenger numbers at Dubai International continued an upward trend in May with the airport welcoming 6.7 million customers, according to the monthly traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports.

In May 2016 passenger numbers at DXB rose 7.2 per cent to 6,721,995 compared to 6,267,640 in May 2015.

During the first five months of 2016, DXB welcomed 34,648,953 passengers which represents a year on year growth of seven per cent compared to 32,384,620 passengers during the same period last year.

Eastern Europe was the fastest growing region in May rising 16.6 per cent, followed closely by the GCC region registering year on year growth of 16.3 per cent – propelled mainly by a surge in contribution from destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh and Doha, while Asia grew ten per cent.

In terms of total passenger numbers, India topped all countries with a total of 989,680 passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (549,091), the UK (435,251), and Pakistan (327,178) while the top cities for passenger traffic were London (280,945), Doha (243,845) and Mumbai (214,061).

During the month aircraft movements totalled 34,284, up 0.6 per cent compared to 34,086 recorded during May 2015.

Year to date flight numbers reached 175,071 compared to 167,654 aircraft movements recorded during the same period last year, an increase of 4.4 per cent.

“With near record numbers expected in the coming weeks as a result of the seasonal travel peak, we are looking at solid growth for the first half of 2016,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports.

“Our focus is on maintaining and enhancing service levels, despite the high volumes.”