Dubai International Airport reaffirmed its position at the pinnacle of global aviation in February 2026, posting remarkable seat capacity figures that once again outpaced major international hubs, according to the latest data released by OAG, a leading global aviation analytics provider.

During the month of February, the airport recorded approximately 4.9 million scheduled seats in both directions, equating to 9.8 million seats for outbound and inbound travel combined. This performance secured Dubai International’s status as the busiest airport worldwide for the month, with its seat capacity increasing by 2% compared to February 2025—a strong indicator of growing airline confidence and sustained global travel demand.

The data further reveals that airlines operating through Dubai International maintained elevated levels of service as passenger demand continued to rebound. Across the first two months of 2026—January and February—the airport logged a total of 10.4 million scheduled seats, or 20.8 million in both directions, underscoring the continued expansion of airline operations and the region’s critical role in global air connectivity.

In international seat metrics alone, Dubai International outperformed other aviation giants including London Heathrow Airport, Seoul’s Incheon Airport, and Shanghai Pudong Airport. It also maintained a significant lead over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States, which recorded around 4.6 million seats during the same period.

Industry experts attribute Dubai’s aviation success to multiple key factors, such as sustained economic recovery, rising tourism and business travel, and strengthened airline networks connecting the emirate with destinations across the globe. As airlines continue to expand their flight schedules and increase capacity in response to demand, Dubai International Airport is well-positioned to extend its record-setting performance throughout 2026.

This continued aviation growth highlights Dubai’s vital role as a global aviation hub, bridging East and West with a robust and expanding airline network. The airport’s success not only enhances the city’s reputation as a leading international destination for travel and commerce but also contributes significantly to the broader economic landscape of the UAE and the region.