OAG, a global provider of aviation and airport data, said airlines operating at Dubai International Airport have scheduled around 4.57 million seats on international flights this October, equivalent to approximately 9.15 million seats when both inbound and outbound journeys are counted.

Dubai International Airport has therefore retained its position as the world’s busiest airport by scheduled international flight capacity.

Dubai International Airport’s scheduled international flight capacity also increased in October compared with September, rising from around 4.34 million seats to 4.57 million. The increase of approximately 230,000 seats represents growth of about 5.3%.

According to data obtained by Emarat Al Youm, Dubai International Airport continues to lead the world’s 10 largest airports by international seat capacity.

London Heathrow Airport ranked second with around 4.12 million seats, nearly 450,000 fewer than Dubai.

Seoul Incheon Airport in South Korea ranked third with around 3.94 million seats, followed by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in fourth place with 3.72 million and Singapore Changi Airport in fifth with 3.68 million.

Istanbul Airport ranked sixth with 3.56 million seats, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport seventh with 3.47 million, and Hong Kong International Airport eighth with 3.46 million.

Frankfurt Airport in Germany ranked ninth with 3.39 million seats, while Bangkok Airport in Thailand placed 10th with 2.76 million.

Dubai International Airport continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs linking East and West, supported by an extensive network of destinations and flights connecting Dubai to global markets.

Emirates and flydubai, both of which use Dubai International Airport as their main operational hub, play a key role in reinforcing this position. The two airlines continue to expand their networks by launching new routes and increasing frequencies to existing destinations.

Other international airlines operating at Dubai International Airport also provide passengers with more travel options and help increase air traffic at one of the world’s most important aviation hubs.

Dubai International Airport retained its status as the world’s largest airport by international passenger numbers for the 12th consecutive year in 2025.

According to the Airports Council International’s annual report, the airport handled 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1% from the previous year and marking the busiest year in its history.

Dubai International Airport also welcomed 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, as airline capacity continued to expand and travel demand increased during the second quarter.

By the end of the first half of the year, 50 international airlines were operating at Dubai International Airport, offering flights to 217 destinations across 99 countries.