Dubai DXB is Now Busiest Airport in the World 5.5 Million Seats in 2026

DUBAI, UAE- Dubai International Airport (DXB) has officially overtaken Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to become the world’s busiest airport by seat capacity in January 2026. The ranking is based on total scheduled airline seat capacity, including both international and domestic services.

OAG data shows Dubai (DXB) handling 5.5 million seats in January 2026, placing it ahead of Atlanta (ATL), which recorded around 4.9 million seats for the same period. Tokyo Haneda (HND) ranked third globally. The shift marks a change at the top of the global aviation table, with Atlanta having held the leading position for many years, largely due to its extensive domestic network in the United States.

Dubai: Busiest Airport in the World

Dubai International continues to record exceptionally high passenger traffic. The airport closed 2025 at record levels and carried that momentum into the new year. According to Dubai Airports, the airport handled approximately 8.8 million passengers in December 2025, up from 8.3 million in December 2024, making it the busiest month ever recorded at DXB.

In early January, passenger volumes surged further. On January 3, the airport processed 324,000 passengers, the highest single-day total in its history. This was followed by 322,000 passengers on January 4, another near-record day.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, the operator of DXB and Dubai World Central (DWC), said demand during the current peak season has been “exceptional,” with daily passenger numbers remaining above 300,000. The airport is forecast to welcome around 3.4 million passengers between January 1 and January 11, indicating that high volumes are continuing into the first weeks of 2026.

Griffiths said the airport’s ability to manage sustained traffic at this level reflects the planning and preparation across the wider aviation system, including airlines, service providers, and government entities working under the oneDXB partnership framework.

Dubai’s Position as a Major Global Hub

In 2025, Dubai International was already among the world’s busiest airports, supported by strong tourism demand, a high volume of transit traffic, and the continued expansion of airline networks.

The airport recorded its highest annual passenger traffic in 2025, driven by a strong winter season, major events, and continued growth in long-haul routes. The airport’s performance in December and early January suggests that this growth has continued into 2026.

OAG’s busiest airports ranking is based on scheduled seat capacity, not passenger throughput. This means it reflects how many seats airlines have put on sale for travel, rather than how many people actually flew.

The data is seen as a forward-looking indicator of demand and airline confidence in a market. An increase in seat capacity usually signals expectations of strong passenger volumes.

In previous years, OAG data has regularly shown Dubai and Atlanta competing closely at the top of the global rankings.

January 2026 Global Aviation Rankings

Based on OAG data, Dubai International Airport leads in multiple categories for January 2026.

The airport holds the position of the busiest global airport by combined international and domestic capacity, as well as the busiest international airport. Istanbul Airport (IST) ranks as Europe’s busiest airport.

Top 10 Busiest Global Airports by Seats

Analysis of Global Airport Capacity

Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the world’s busiest airport in January 2026 with 5.50 million seats, a 4% increase in airline capacity compared with January 2025. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) ranks second with 4.92 million seats, up 1% year-on-year, while Tokyo Haneda (HND) remains in third place despite a 1% decline, totaling 4.64 million seats.

Several airports have seen notable airline capacity growth this month. Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) has 4.43 million seats this month, up 4% compared to last year, maintaining fourth position, while Istanbul Airport (IST) saw strong growth of 6% to reach 4.28 million seats, moving into sixth place. Delhi (DEL) has also performed well, growing 5% to 4.22 million seats and is in eighth place.

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) saw a 1% decline to 4.29 million seats, while London Heathrow (LHR) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) both recorded broadly stable capacity, remaining flat year-on-year at 4.25 million and 4.07 million seats respectively. Seoul Incheon (ICN) completes the top ten with 3.92 million seats, reflecting a 2% increase compared with January 2025.

Top 10 Busiest International Airports by Seats

Source: OAG

International Airport Capacity Trends

Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the world’s busiest international airport in January 2026, handling 5.50 million seats, a 4% increase in airline capacity compared with January 2025.

London Heathrow (LHR) ranks second with 3.97 million seats, up 1% year-on-year, while Seoul Incheon (ICN) takes third place with 3.89 million seats, representing 2% growth compared to January 2025.

Several airports record strong capacity growth this month compared to January 2025. Istanbul Airport (IST) is in fifth place with 3.48 million seats, a 7% year-on-year increase, making it one of the fastest-growing major international hubs.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is also performing strongly, increasing 5% to 3.47 million seats, while Doha (DOH) has increased airline capacity by 6% to 2.96 million seats.

Singapore Changi (SIN) has seen a slight 1% decline to 3.72 million seats, while Amsterdam (AMS) remains broadly flat year-on-year at 3.10 million seats.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) has grown modestly by 2% to 3.04 million seats, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is down 1% with 2.92 million seats.

Top 10 Busiest European Airports by Seats

European Airport Capacity Performance

Istanbul Airport (IST) remains Europe’s busiest airport in January 2026 with 4.28 million seats, a 6% increase compared to January 2025.

London Heathrow (LHR) ranks second with 4.25 million seats, remaining broadly flat year-on-year, while Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) holds third place with 3.35 million seats, reflecting a 3% growth in air capacity.

Several airports have seen an increase in capacity this month compared to the same month last year. Madrid Barajas (MAD) at 3.15 million seats is up 2%, while Frankfurt (FRA) has grown by 3% to 2.82 million seats, putting them in fourth and sixth place, respectively.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) stands out as the fastest-growing airport in the Top 10, increasing capacity by 13% to 2.52 million seats, and is in seventh place.

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) remains stable at 3.10 million seats in fifth place, while Barcelona (BCN) sees modest growth of 1%, reaching 2.26 million seats, and is in eighth place.

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) has experienced a slight 2% decline with 2.10 million seats, while Munich (MUC) remains broadly flat year-on-year with 1.86 million seats.

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