Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again strengthened its position as the world’s busiest airport, after recording approximately 5.5 million scheduled international seats during January, equivalent to 11 million seats in both directions.

This achievement places DXB at the top of global airport rankings, according to the latest monthly report issued by OAG, the leading international provider of aviation data.

Data shows that Dubai International Airport remained the world’s busiest airport in January 2026, recording a 4% increase in seat capacity compared to the same month last year, highlighting the airport’s continued growth momentum.

DXB’s performance reflects sustained gains compared to last year’s levels, with seat capacity rising steadily over recent months. The airport recorded historic peak levels during the height of last summer and achieved another record high in December, underscoring its resilience and growing demand.

The increase in seat capacity comes as airlines continue to expand their operations at Dubai International Airport, driven by strong travel demand at the start of the new year. This follows a robust performance in international passenger traffic throughout the first nine months of 2025.

In the overall capacity index, which includes both international and domestic flights, Dubai International Airport ranked first globally. It was followed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with around 4.9 million seats, Tokyo Haneda Airport in third place with 4.6 million seats, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport fourth with 4.4 million seats, and Hong Kong International Airport fifth with approximately 4.3 million seats.

Dubai International Airport also widened the gap with its closest competitor, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, by around 580,000 seats one way, exceeding 1.1 million seats in both directions.

In terms of international flights only, DXB maintained its global lead, ahead of London Heathrow Airport with nearly 4 million seats, followed by Seoul Incheon Airport with 3.88 million seats, Singapore Changi Airport with 3.7 million seats, and Istanbul Airport in fifth place with about 3.4 million seats.

According to the latest figures released by Dubai Airports, Dubai International Airport continued to break quarterly passenger traffic records in its 65-year history, welcoming 24.2 million passengers between July and September 2025, marking a 1.9% year-on-year growth.