DXB handled 88.2m pax in 2017. Source: Dubai Airports.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has reported passenger traffic growth of +1.6% year-on-year to 51,947,092 during the first seven months of 2018.

[Click below to view a half-year update from Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths].

DXB says it hit 8.2m pax (+1.8% YOY) in July – it’s second busiest month on record, based on a monthly traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports.

Last year, the airport surpassed the 8m mark on three occasions, in January (8.03m), July (8.06m) and August (8.23m).

The airport retained its position as the globe’s number one hub for international passengers in 2017 on its way to reaching 88.2m annual passengers. It expects to reach 90.3m this year.

INDIA TOPS DESTINATIONS

India ranked as the number one destination country with 1,032,302 passengers during July, followed by Saudi Arabia (583,975) and the UK (581,557).

London topped the list for the most popular cities (358,201) served from DXB by traffic volume, followed by Kuwait (221,696), Mumbai (209,205) and Riyadh (200,411).

Eastern Europe was the fastest growing region during the month, with traffic increasing by 24.4%, mainly as a result of government-owned flydubai’s route development plan.

Following was CIS (+18.34%) with significant contributions from the Russian market and destinations such as Bishkek, Baku and Almaty among others, plus Africa (+9.7%).

As reported, luxury wine and spirits retailer Le Clos recently opened its first outlet in Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Arrivals.

Centrally located in the baggage claim hall, the store offers pax a selection of vintage skus, alongside Le Clos’ Click & Collect service, and an online purchasing option via LeClos.net that provides customers access to 1,200 products.