Dubai's airport saw passenger traffic drop 31% in the first half of 2026 to 31.5 million, down from 46 million, after Iran War triggered closures, cancellations, and airspace restrictions across the G

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Dubai's airport saw passenger traffic drop 31% in the first half of 2026 to 31.5 million, down from 46 million, after Iran War triggered closures, cancellations, and airspace restrictions across the Gulf. March was the low point with a 65% year-on-year drop. Only about 50 of the usual 90 international airlines were operating by mid-year. The airport had been on track for 100 million passengers after a record 95.2 million in 2025. Source: Reuters