HP News Desk

The number of passengers passing through Dubai International Airport reached almost 18.5 million between July, August, and September (third quarter) of this year, marking the beginning of the airport’s return to pre-pandemic levels.

The third quarter of 2020 saw about 18,455,939 visits to Dubai Airport, which is a record high compared to the first three months’ 17.8 million visitors.

According to Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airport, more people than expected are flying to and from Dubai rather than using it as a transit location.

It is important to note that the airport saw a 167.6 percent year-over-year increase in passenger traffic between January and September, totaling nearly 46.3 million.

Griffiths said that the estimated annual populations for 2023 and 2024, respectively, are 77.8 million and 87.4 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic record of 86.4 million in 2019.

The annual statistic is anticipated to surpass the current high of 89.2 million passengers achieved in 2018 and reach a new high of 93.3 million passengers in 2025.

An online visa application using facial recognition technology on cellphones was previously introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

The idea would make it possible for inhabitants of Dubai to authenticate their identities using their smartphones while applying for visas and entrance permits from the comfort of their homes.