2023 Global Airport Traffic Report: Dubai International Leads after the Rise in Air Travel
The Airports Council International’s preliminary report for 2023 shows a surge in international air travel, with Dubai International remaining the busiest airport globally.
3 min
For the tenth year in a row, Dubai International Airport has been named the world’s busiest airport for international travel, recording about 87 million passengers last year.
This continued success is highlighted by the Airports Council International (ACI), which released its preliminary list of the top 10 busiest airports globally for 2023. The report noted a significant increase in international air travel, with Dubai Airports (DXB) maintaining its leading position.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed his pleasure in the recognition of Dubai International Airport as the busiest airport for international travel for the tenth consecutive year. He highlighted that this anticipated milestone instilled great pride within the organization and emphasized that DXB is proud to maintain its leading status globally for a remarkable decade.
Griffiths reflected on the numerous achievements and records the airport has surpassed over the past ten years, including welcoming its billionth passenger, expanding its facilities, and enhancing global connectivity through partnerships with various airlines. He underscored the commitment to continuously improving every aspect of the airport experience for guests.
He attributed the success of DXB to the unwavering commitment to operational excellence, which he said has established new benchmarks and solidified DXB’s status as a key player in global aviation. This success, he noted, demonstrates the collaborative spirit of Dubai.
Griffiths also acknowledged the collective efforts of all service partners within the airport community and the broader aviation, travel, and tourism sectors. He confirmed that looking ahead, the focus would remain on maintaining DXB’s dominant position, with a determination to continue shaping the future of global aviation through innovation and collaboration, ensuring that DXB remains synonymous with excellence in every aspect of the passenger journey.
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira provided insights into global air travel trends for 2023, driven by factors like China‘s reopening and persistent travel demand despite economic pressures. He noted that while US airports continue to dominate overall passenger numbers, significant movements were seen in international traffic rankings, with Dubai International rising to second place and Tokyo Haneda making a notable jump.
The rankings were based on data collected from over 2,600 airports in more than 180 countries, underscoring ACI World’s role as a key authority on global airport demand and the accuracy of its findings. The report also highlights the strategic importance of these airports in maintaining global connectivity, supporting commerce, and fostering economic development.
10 most popular airports for international passengers:
- Dubai, UAE (DXB): 86,994,365 passengers
- London, UK (LHR): 74,909,019 passengers
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS): 61,882,546 passengers
- France (CDG): 61,412,198 passengers
- Singapore, Singapore (SIN): 58,411,000 passengers
- Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 58,232,674 passengers
- Incheon, Korea (ICN): 55,763,768 passengers
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA): 54,089,293 passengers
- Doha, Qatar (DOH): 45,913,805 passengers
- Madrid, Spain (MAD): 43,799,968 passengers
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
3 min
A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
