The UAE's airports collectively handled a record 156.8 million passengers in 2025, a 6.1% increase from 147.8 million the year prior, as aircraft movements climbed 6.8% to 855,300, according to data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).
Dubai's airports led by volume at 104.5 million passengers – up 3.5% – while Abu Dhabi and Sharjah each posted 10.7% growth at 34.2 million and 16.9 million respectively. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recorded the strongest growth rate among larger airports, surpassing one million passengers for the first time with a 56.8% surge, while Fujairah International more than doubled its traffic with a 170% increase to 164,600.
Transit passengers, which grew 8% to 69.5 million, represent the largest single category of movement, underscoring the UAE's role as a global air transit hub. The country ranked first worldwide for air transport quality in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, reinforcing its position as one of the world's premier aviation ecosystems.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer