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Dubai International Airport (DXB) Retains Title As The World’s Busiest International Airport In 2024

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again earned the title of the World’s Busiest International Airport with a total of 60.2 million seats in 2024. This follows its similar achievements in 2023 and 2019, underscoring the UAE’s strategic position in global aviation. DXB’s capacity saw a significant 7% year-on-year growth compared to 2023, as well as a 12% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

OAG’s report, which calculates the busiest airports based on international airline capacity, placed DXB in the lead, with Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) coming in second overall when including both domestic and international flights. The rankings highlight DXB’s role in shaping the global aviation sector, aided by the UAE’s efficient infrastructure and positioning as a key air traffic hub.

Top 10 Busiest International Airports In 2024

Following DXB, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) secured the second spot with 48.4 million seats, marking a 4% increase in capacity from 2023. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) made an impressive leap, moving up four places to claim third with 41.6 million seats, reflecting a 24% capacity growth compared to 2023.

Other notable airports in the top 10 include Singapore Changi (SIN) in fourth place with 41.5 million seats, and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) in fifth with 40 million. Istanbul Airport (IST) showed the most substantial growth in capacity among the top 10, increasing by 20% to reach 38.6 million seats, securing sixth place.

Noteworthy Changes In Rankings

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) followed in seventh place with 38.5 million seats, while Frankfurt Airport (FRA) ranked eighth with 35.7 million. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) had the most significant year-on-year capacity increase in the top 10, up by 40%, although still 23% behind 2019 levels. Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) rounded out the top 10 with 32.5 million seats, experiencing a 13% increase from 2023.

Global Overview: Top 10 Busiest Airports In 2024 (Including Both Domestic And International Flights)

The busiest airport globally in 2024 was Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), with 62.7 million seats. It maintained its top position from 2023 and 2019, although capacity was up just 2% year-on-year and slightly down from 2019 by 1%. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) secured third place with 55.2 million seats, a 5% increase from 2023.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) moved into fifth place, surpassing its pre-pandemic capacity by 18%. Denver International (DEN) saw the highest growth among the top 10, with a remarkable 24% capacity increase, moving it to sixth position.

Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) saw a 29% increase in capacity compared to 2023, largely driven by China’s post-pandemic recovery in air travel, propelling PVG from 15th in 2023 to 9th in 2024.

The rankings of the busiest airports reveal the resilience of global aviation and the recovery of regions like China, while also underscoring the growing importance of airports in the Middle East and North America. With substantial growth expected to continue, these airports will play a pivotal role in the global recovery and expansion of air travel in the coming years.

Cyprus Dominates British Ranking Of Autumn Sun Destinations

Cyprus has strengthened its position as one of Europe’s most attractive late-season escapes, topping a new British ranking of autumn holiday destinations and drawing fresh attention from Israeli travellers seeking warm weather close to home.

All Four Top Spots Go To Cyprus

According to Israeli news website Walla, the island claimed the top four places in a new list of the best European destinations for October and November breaks. The ranking, published under the headline “The sun is still here,” was compiled by British holiday company Solmar Villas, which evaluated 105 European destinations on criteria including temperature, rainfall and airfares during the final two months of autumn.

Ayia Napa took first place, followed by Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, giving Cyprus a rare sweep of the leaderboard.

Warm Weather And Low Rainfall Keep Cyprus Competitive

During this period, temperatures on the island typically range between 24C and 29C, while Ayia Napa averages just 2.3 rainy days per month between September and November. For travellers looking to extend summer well into the autumn, those conditions offer a clear advantage over much of Europe, where the season is already turning colder and wetter.

Solmar Villas, a specialist in villa holidays and rentals, lists more than 2,500 properties across at least 40 destinations. The England-registered company is now part of DERTOUR UK.

A Short Flight Adds To Cyprus’s Appeal

Walla said the ranking further reinforced Cyprus’s appeal to Israeli visitors looking for a nearby destination where summer-like weather continues deep into the autumn months. Proximity remains a major selling point: a flight from Tel Aviv to Cyprus takes roughly 40 minutes, making the island especially practical for short breaks.

The report also highlighted the distinct character of each destination. Ayia Napa, which is far quieter after the peak summer season, is presented as a more relaxed coastal escape. Limassol offers a blend of beach and city life. Larnaca is positioned as a slower-paced option, while Paphos stands out for its history and archaeological sites.

For travellers prioritising convenience, value and reliable sunshine, Cyprus continues to look like a compelling autumn proposition.

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