Dubai International registered the highest monthly traffic in its 55-year history with 7.2 million passengers in August.

According to the latest traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports today, traffic at the world’s number one hub for international passengers reached 7,282,256, up 9.5 per cent from 6,648,058 recorded during the same month in 2014.

The year to date traffic totalled 52,264,223, up 12.4 per cent compared to 46,479,919 recorded during the first eight months last year.

The bumper traffic was boosted by the seasonal rush of travellers, including inbound traffic of residents returning for the start of the academic year, as well as increase in flight frequency and launch of new services by Emirates, flydubai and other airlines.

India remained the top destination country (855,550 passengers) with financial capital Mumbai as the busiest destination, followed by the UK (543,213 passengers) and Saudi Arabia (480,051 passengers).

London was the top destination city followed closely by Kuwait and Doha.

The passenger per movement during the month was 217, which is among the highest for international hubs and a milestone of efficiency for DXB.
Aircraft movements totalled 34,773 during the month under review compared to 31,214 movements recorded in August 2014, an increase of 11.4 per cent.

Year to date aircraft movement totalled 268,253, up 18.1 per cent compared to 227,110 recorded during the same period in 2014.

Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, said: “We are very pleased with the traffic so far this year, particularly the record-breaking numbers in August.

“As we mark the 55th anniversary of DXB this week we cannot help but look back at our humble beginnings, and how, thanks to the vision of the leadership, a tiny airport rose rapidly to become the world’s number one hub for international passengers.

“DXB has welcomed over 700 million passengers in its five-and-a-half decade history, clocking an unparalleled average growth rate of over 15 per cent.

“Our mission is to ensure that the success story of Dubai’s aviation sector continues over the coming decades.”