A recent article reporting from OAG’s Global Airlines Schedules has revealed that Dubai International Airport has once again surpassed other global competitors such as Heathrow, Incheon, Changi, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Paris and Frankfurt as the busiest international airport in the world. To take the lead in global air traffic the airport handled 92.3 million passengers throughout 2024. At the same time, other major airports, including London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon, also experienced significant growth; which points to a strong recovery in international travel.
The rankings for 2024 have revealed shifts among the busiest airports in the world that will be of interest to the industry stakeholders. It has brought out which hubs are expanding, adapting, and rising in prominence. Some airports have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, others have made very big gains in passenger numbers and others set new passenger records confirming that international travel is back in full force.
For airports in Africa to sail in the rising tide of global travel they need to position themselves, understanding that the new wave of travel is anchored around new expansions, route openings and shifting travel trends.
Dubai International Airport retained its number one position as the busiest international airport for 2024 by handling a record breaking 92.3 million passengers, having a seven percent increase in scheduled seats compared to 2023, and getting to 60.2 million seats and so surpassed its pre-pandemic levels. The world class connectivity and strategic location of Dubai have made it an attractive hub for international travellers while being attractive to those transiting between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Heathrow, which had the second position, did so despite airspace congestion and flight caps. It is, indeed, reported to have achieved in 2024 a record 83.9 million passengers, this being the highest in the history of the airport. The airport experienced a four percent increase in airline capacity having reached 48.4 million scheduled seats. It is a key transit hub for those travelling to North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Efficiency, innovation and passenger experience were the levers on which Changi airport in Singapore nearly returned to its pre-pandemic numbers in 2024. Its strength as an airport lies in its being both a passenger and logistics hub. It is also a key stop for travellers on Asia – Pacific and long – haul flights.
The fastest growing hub, Istanbul Airport, increased its airline capacity by 20 percent compared to 2019. This is the largest gain among all major global airports. It had 38.6 million airline seats and 79.9 million passengers and has become the second busiest airport in Europe closely following Heathrow. It has continued to expand in its role as a major international hub with a five percent rise in passenger numbers compared to 2023, say expert reports. The lever for this growth lies in the aggressive expansion of Turkish Airlines as well as the strategic location of Istanbul between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and so it has become a transit hub of attraction to travellers.
Efforts at new expansions in airports with the intention to accommodate growing demand should not lose sight of sustainability and the passenger experience. Air Service Development for route expansion should not be seen as the role for the airlines or airports only but a work to be done collaboratively by airports and airlines as the demand in Africa and Asia is growing.
The changing passenger behaviours and preferences have strategic implications for airports in 2025. These changes are driven by shifting demographics and technological advancements. Now there is a growing demand for personalised travel experiences, sustainable aviation alternatives, and seamless airport processes.
Biometrics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain are some technologies being adopted. This is as airports and airlines leverage digital technologies to enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs.
The workforce with its challenge of labour shortage and shifting demographics should not be overlooked in crafting a strategy for the new year. A proper work culture, employee engagement and training programme will be of value in the move towards growing the passenger numbers.
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