Dubai International Airport has recorded a sharp decline in passenger arrivals since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, with the second quarter of this year showing the steepest impact yet.
Total aircraft movements across Dubai’s aviation sector reached 150,600 during the first half of the year, marking a 32.1% year-on-year decline. In the second quarter alone, movements totaled 62,500, according to Independent UK, reported Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The Airport CEO Remains Cautiously Optimistic
Despite the steep numbers, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths isn’t overly concerned. According to his own figures, passenger volume grew steadily each month throughout the second quarter, and he expects that momentum to continue.
“The events of the disruption, which lasted two months, did have an impact on traffic,” Griffiths told The Associated Press. “However, the trajectory now is universally positive,” he added.
Griffiths said the airport is currently waiting on foreign carriers, particularly from Europe, to resume their flights to Dubai. “I’m very confident we’ll be back to full operation in a very short space of time,” he said.
The Conflict Behind the Disruption
The conflict between the United States and Iran remains ongoing, and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed, despite Tehran having agreed to a temporary transit route through the key waterway in coordination with Oman.
“The understanding between Iran and Oman does not mean the Strait of Hormuz is being reopened,” said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
That statement comes amid ongoing tension, including threats from former President Trump regarding potential new strikes against Iran.
What This Means for Travelers
If you have travel plans through Dubai in the coming months, it’s worth keeping an eye on airline schedules, as many European and international carriers are still gradually restoring their routes to the region.
While Dubai’s aviation authorities are expressing confidence in a swift recovery, the underlying geopolitical situation, including the closed Strait of Hormuz and ongoing US-Iran tensions, remains fluid, so building flexibility into any Middle East travel plans is a sensible precaution for now.
