Dubai International began the new year in top gear as monthly traffic in January reached an all-time high of eight million passengers, according to the traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports.

Passenger traffic rose 9.7 per cent to 8,037,008 in January 2017, up from 7,327,637 in the same month in 2016.

This follows DXB’s performance in 2016 during which the airport welcomed a record 83.6 million passengers.

“It’s an auspicious start to what is sure to be another record-breaking year for DXB,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive, Dubai Airports.

“It provides further impetus to our DXB Plus Programme, which will enhance service and boost capacity at DXB by applying technology to improved processes.

“It also fuels our on-going efforts to improve the customer experience with world-leading Wi-Fi, retail, food and beverage and a wide array of offers ranging from spas to VIP service to live music.”

London (338,816 passengers) topped the list of top destinations followed by Doha (283,341), Kuwait (229,068) and Mumbai (223,399).

Traffic from most regions was boosted during the month on account of holidays as well as the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.

Flight movements totalled 36,592 in January 2017, up 2.1 per cent compared to the 35,841 movements recorded in January 2016.

The average number of passengers per movement increased to 230 compared to 215 during the corresponding period in 2016.