RIYADH: Technological integration and advancements in artificial intelligence are driving efficiency at Dubai International Airport, helping position it as a leading global hub, a top official said.
During a panel at the Future Hospitality Summit, CEO of Dubai Airports Paul Griffiths explained that with the facility expecting to serve a record 93 million passengers this year, innovation and strategic use of the hub’s geographic advantage are crucial to sustaining growth and enhancing customer experience.
“Dubai’s geocentricity plays a pivotal role in our success,” Griffiths said, adding: “A third of the world’s population is within four hours, and two-thirds within eight hours from Dubai. This makes DXB an unparalleled hub, offering connectivity to 104 countries and 256 cities globally.”
Speaking at the event in Dubai, the CEO added that the airport’s throughput has scaled with its growth, driven by a combination of technology and human capital, allowing it to remain competitive even amid rising global passenger numbers.
DXB recorded a milestone of over 44.9 million passengers in just the first half of 2024, a significant increase from previous years, reaffirming its position as the world’s busiest airport for international travelers.
Griffiths highlighted DXB’s Operations Control Center as a key technological innovation enabling this success.
“We’ve established a center where every aspect of the operation is micromanaged in real-time. From monitoring aircraft turnarounds with AI-driven cameras to predicting weather-related disruptions, we ensure smooth, quick transitions for passengers,” he said.
This data-driven approach, Griffiths explained, ensures that the airport can accommodate an ever-increasing number of passengers while maintaining high service standards.
Griffiths also highlighted the importance of Al Maktoum International Airport in supporting the emirate’s long-term infrastructure and aviation strategy, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double its gross domestic product by 2033.
The airport’s workforce has also evolved in parallel with its technological advancements. Griffiths discussed DXB’s’ graduate training program, launched in 2007.
“We have invested in local talent, and today, 78 percent of our management team comprises UAE nationals, many of whom are women,” he said.
The CEO stressed that this talent pipeline has been instrumental in maintaining high operational standards despite a significant reduction in staff numbers. “When I started, we had 5,500 employees managing 30 million passengers. Today, we handle 93 million passengers with just 1,800 staff, thanks to technology and highly motivated teams.”
This increase in efficiency aligns with the broader transformation happening in Dubai, where the aviation, travel, and tourism sectors are central to the emirate’s economic growth.
Ahmed Al-Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, emphasized earlier this year the need for expanding Dubai’s infrastructure to keep pace with rising passenger traffic, which is projected to exceed 90 million by year-end.
The integration of technology and the nurturing of local talent have not only boosted efficiency but also supported the airport’s broader ambition to position Dubai as a leader in global aviation.
Griffiths further emphasized that the future of the airport would focus on enhancing connectivity and ensuring customer satisfaction without losing the personal touch.
Looking forward, he expressed confidence in the continued growth of Dubai’s aviation sector.
This milestone will further solidify Dubai’s position as the largest international airport in the world, driven by a combination of strategic location, cutting-edge technology, and an innovative workforce.
“We are not just a transit point; we are setting new standards in global connectivity and customer service,” said Griffiths.
