Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for its busiest Eid holiday season yet, expecting over 3.6 million travellers between 26 March and 7 April. The busiest single day is expected to be 5 April, when approximately 309,000 passengers will move through the airport, a significant surge that travellers should factor into their plans.
Daily passenger numbers are projected to average 276,000 throughout the period, with the first week of April seeing the sharpest rise in departures, up 19% compared to regular weekly volumes. This seasonal spike is being driven by two key trends, families travelling to visit relatives in traditional VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets like India, Pakistan and the UK, coupled with growing leisure travel demand to destinations including Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy.
With spring break in full swing and the approaching Eid holidays, Dubai Airports has introduced smart navigation tools and enhanced accessibility services to deal with the surge and ensure a smooth travel experience.
To help passengers navigate the expected crowds, Dubai Airports is promoting its recently launched DXB Express Maps. This smart way-finding tool, accessible by scanning QR codes displayed on flight information screens, provides real-time navigation assistance to help travellers find their gates, dining options, retail outlets and facilities quickly and easily.
The airport has also implemented enhanced services for People of Determination, including clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests with disabilities (support groups identifiable by staff wearing sunflower pins), and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. These measures aim to ensure all passengers can move through the airport comfortably during the busy period.
In preparation for the holiday rush, Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, service partners, commercial operators and government authorities to maintain smooth operations across all touchpoints. While these collaborative efforts should help manage passenger flows, travellers are still advised to arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours before their flight and take advantage of online check-in options where available to minimise potential delays.
For more information on travel updates, airport services or accessibility support, visit Dubai Airports website.