Summer holidays in the UAE are coming to an end, and with scores of people returning to Dubai ahead of the new academic year, the Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for a busy timeline. Between 13th and 25th August 2025, DXB is expected to welcome more than 3.6 million guests, with daily averages reaching 280,000. The busiest day is forecast for Friday, 15 August, with traffic set to exceed 290,000.
The back-to-school surge follows a record-breaking first half of 2025, which saw Dubai welcome 9.88 million international overnight visitors, a 6% increase year-on-year, and DXB handle over 46 million guests, reaffirming its position as the world’s biggest international airport.
Dubai Airports is working with the oneDXB community, including airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners, to ensure a seamless, stress-free journey for every guest during this busy travel period.
Here are some top essential tips and guidance to help guests navigate the airport with ease.
Arrivals tips for a smooth welcome at DXB:
- For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process.
- Keep passports, boarding passes, and any necessary visas handy to speed up clearance.
- Make the most of the DXB experience with various amenities in lounges, dining and shopping outlets, and duty-free.
- Use the Dubai Metro, with stations conveniently located at DXB’s Terminals 1 and 3. Guests can also choose from a variety of other transport options, including Uber, Careem, RTA taxis, or car rentals.
- Enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyards, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
