Abu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE aviation sector continues to write new chapters of brilliance and leadership in the skies and on the ground.
With the transformation of UAE airports into a lifeline and strategic centers linking the continents of the world, and a noticeable expansion in the network of international destinations for national carriers.
The performance results announced by UAE airports during 2025 revealed record numbers and achievements that touch the horizon.
The results also confirmed that these airports are no longer just air gateways limited to facilitating travel only.
Rather, it goes beyond that to providing exceptional experiences for travelers through innovative services that make every flight an exceptional story of excellence.
Dubai.. Record numbers of travelers
In detail.. In 2025, Dubai International Airport set an unprecedented record, receiving 95.2 million passengers, achieving a growth of 3.1% compared to the previous year.
2025 was the busiest year in the airport’s history, with passenger numbers hitting record daily, monthly, and quarterly peaks, with significant flight growth totaling 454,800 flights.
The airport has witnessed a significant improvement in operational efficiency, maintaining a high level of operational excellence despite this significant congestion.
Airport baggage handling also reached a record high, with 86.75 million bags processed in 2025.
With the strengthening of air connectivity, Dubai International Airport is now connected to 291 destinations in 110 countries via 108 international airlines.
This strengthens its position as one of the most connected airports in the world.
Abu Dhabi.. Remarkable development in services
In turn, Abu Dhabi airports witnessed significant growth in passenger traffic in 2025.
It received more than 33 million passengers, achieving the largest annual passenger influx in its history.
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi recorded 8.59 million passengers during the last quarter of 2025, an increase of 13.8% over the previous year.
Other Abu Dhabi airports, such as Al Bateen Private Airport and Al Ain International Airport, continued to grow, reflecting their strengthening position as important hubs in the air transport network.
The air cargo sector also achieved remarkable growth, handling approximately 770,000 tons of cargo in 2025, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global logistics hub.
Sharjah.. Exceptional results
For its part, Sharjah Airport recorded exceptional results in 2025, achieving a 13.9% growth in the number of passengers to reach 19.48 million passengers, compared to 17.1 million in 2024.
The number of flights increased to 116,657, with an expansion in the network of destinations covering regional and international markets.
Sharjah Airport has become a vital hub for air links between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, contributing to enhancing tourism and commercial activity.
Ras Al Khaimah.. Million Barrier
In a qualitative achievement, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport exceeded one million passengers during the year 2025.
The total number of passengers reached 1,303, achieving significant growth compared to the previous year.
This reflects the accelerating pace of growth and the strengthening of the airport’s position as a promising regional hub for air traffic.
The airport has witnessed a significant expansion in its flight network, with the number of scheduled international flights and destinations increasing to 16, including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Exceeding the one million passenger barrier is a clear indicator of the airport’s transition from medium to large airports, reflecting the success of the operational and development plans approved by its management.
essential pillar
The aviation sector is considered one of the main pillars of the UAE’s role in stimulating global tourism.
Its airports facilitate the arrival of tourists from all over the world.
Record passenger traffic figures throughout 2025 contributed to strengthening the UAE’s position as a major tourist destination.
Travelers enjoy a seamless and sophisticated experience from arrival to departure.
Moreover, the great diversity of destinations that connect the UAE’s airports with major markets around the world, from London to Mumbai, from Beijing to New York, and other global cities, reflects the UAE’s ability to meet the needs of the global tourism market and stimulate cultural, commercial, and entertainment tourism.
The UAE is continuously investing in improving its infrastructure and developing innovative technological systems to facilitate the traveler experience.
For example, Dubai International Airport maintained a high level of baggage handling accuracy, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.75% during 2025.
Airports in the UAE continue to integrate artificial intelligence technologies, self-service platforms, and electronic payment solutions, enhancing the efficiency of operations and the speed of completing procedures.
Embodying its global leadership and excellence, UAE airports won several prestigious awards in 2025.
Dubai International Airport won the 2025 Airports Council International Safety Appreciation Award, in recognition of advanced security innovations.
Dubai Airports also won the “Exceptional Workplace” award from Gallup, reflecting the unique level of functional harmony in the airport’s work environments.
In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport won the “Best Airport in Shopping Experience” award at the Frontier Awards 2025.
Reflecting the quality of the experiences provided to passengers, Sharjah Airport has achieved Level 3+ “Carbon Neutrality” accreditation under the Carbon Certification Programme.
To remain the first in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to achieve this great environmental achievement.
