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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jon Gambrell

Dubai plans new airport as it shatters previous passenger numbers

Emirates Dubai Air ShowPeople walk at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, has shattered its previous passenger records, with 93.8 million travellers passing through its terminals this year, officials announced on Wednesday. This remarkable surge underscores Dubai's pivotal role as a global aviation hub, facilitating East-West connections.

The rapid growth further highlights the necessity of the ambitious $35 billion project to construct a massive, five-runway airport at Al Maktoum International Airport, located at Dubai World Central. Currently, the city-state's second airport is hosting the biennial Dubai Air Show, which has already seen significant aircraft orders from the long-haul carrier Emirates and its sister airline FlyDubai.

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