DUBAI: Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport passed 43 million during the first six months of the year, 6 percent higher compared with the same period last year, operator Dubai Airports said on Wednesday.
Traffic for the world’s busiest airport for international travel in June meanwhile grew at a modest 3.9 percent to 6.08 million passengers from 5.85 million passengers due to the traditionally slow month of Ramadan.
During the first six months, the top country destinations in terms of total passenger volumes were India with 5.9 million, Saudi Arabia at 3.1 million, the UK with 3.06 million, Pakistan with 2.2 million and the US with 1.56 million.
“We are pleased with the growth in the first half, and with the rush of travelers expected to hit peak at the end of school holidays later next month, we are looking forward to another quarter of positive growth,” said Paul Griffiths, the chief executive of Dubai Airports, said in a statement.
In terms of percentage growth, the top regions were South America market, with expanded 36.4 percent, followed by Eastern Europe at 28.7 percent, Asia at 18.7 percent).
The top cities by passenger volumes included London with 1.89 million passengers, Mumbai with 1.2 million, Bangkok at 1.03 million and New Delhi with 1.01 million.
“We will continue to focus on improving service quality at DXB by bringing in new experiences and services to engage and delight our customers,” Griffiths said.
Emirates airline last week said it has entered into an “extensive partnership” with budget carrier flydubai, also its sister company, which goes beyond code-sharing and includes “integrated network collaboration with coordinated scheduling.” Emirates currently operates from its own dedicated Terminal 3 and flydubai mainly operates from Terminal 2 of Dubai International.
“This is an exciting and significant development for Emirates, flydubai, and Dubai aviation,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group and the chairman of flydubai.
Dubai airport passenger traffic hits 43 million in the first half
Dubai airport passenger traffic hits 43 million in the first half
PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.
According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries.
The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.
AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.
AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.
Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”
He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”
Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.
AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance.
Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.
