Incheon International Airport Takes the Crown from Dubai

In a significant shift in global air travel, Incheon International Airport in South Korea has dethroned Dubai International Airport as the world's busiest airport, according to preliminary data from the Airports Council International (ACI). In the first half of 2026, Incheon served 38.4 million international passengers, marking a historic high since its inception in 2001.

Dubai, which had dominated the international traffic scene for the past 12 years, is projected to fall outside the top five this year. This decline is largely attributed to the onset of the US-Iran war in February 2026, which drastically altered air travel patterns and saw Dubai's passenger numbers plummet from 7.4 million in February to 2.5 million in March. Meanwhile, Incheon has enjoyed an 18% increase in transfer passengers as travelers adjusted their routes following airspace closures.

London Heathrow and Singapore’s Changi Airport are also making their mark, ranking second and third with 37.79 million and 34.53 million passengers, respectively. Incheon’s rise is further bolstered by its recent infrastructure expansion, which accommodates 101 airlines and reflects a growing global fascination with Korean culture.

Source: www.cntraveler.com