Dubai International Airport recorded a sharp decline in passenger traffic during March, with a decrease of 65.7% year-on-year, in a direct reflection of the disruptions to the Iran war that restricted air traffic in one of the most important global travel corridors, and in the wider region.

This decline puts pressure on the first quarter's performance, with the total number of passengers falling by 20.6% to 18.6 million, according to a statement issued by Dubai International Airport, despite its continued efforts to maintain operational continuity during the period of restrictions.

The war that broke out at the end of last February led to a near-complete halt in ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz . Repeated Iranian targeting of civilian facilities in the region, including airports, has restricted air traffic and prompted some countries in the region to close their airspace.

A bet on a quick recovery for the sector

Despite these pressures, Dubai Airports indicates that the sector is on the verge of a "rapid recovery," supported by "strong underlying demand for travel," particularly as airspace capacity begins to be restored and airlines gradually return to their operating schedules.