Dubai International Airport traffic has more than doubled in 2022. The significant increase in Russian travelers has strongly contributed to the increase in passenger numbers.
Traffic exceeded 66 million passengers last year at Dubai airport, an increase of 127%. It thus becomes the busiest airport in the world. In 2021, around 29.1 million passengers passed through Dubai and authorities expected 57 million in 2022.
While India, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are the main suppliers of passengers, Russian travelers are also growing strongly, airport authorities say. In 2022, 1.9 million Russians passed through Dubai, more than double the previous year.
Conflict in Ukraine boosts attendance
Due to the conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions against Moscow, many Russians have settled in this wealthy golf city known for its man-made islands, skyscrapers, restaurants and luxury shops. Dubai, which was already a favored tourist destination for Russians, is part of the federation of the United Arab Emirates, a rich oil state close to Westerners while having maintained excellent relations with Moscow.
One event also contributed to this dynamic: world Cup organized in November 2022 generated an increase in traffic across the region.
The airline sector is an important source of income for Dubai. Its airport and airline, Emirates, generate significant revenue for the economy of the oil-poor country, unlike its Gulf neighbours.
(With AFP)
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