40% Score Gap Drives DXB to Top Spot in Regional Connectivity Index
Dubai International Airport has locked down its position as the most connected hub across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, widening its lead over major regional competitors.
What DXB’s 40% Connectivity Lead Means for Regional Travel
In the 2025 Air Connectivity Index compiled by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East, DXB finished nearly 40% ahead of its closest competitor on hub connectivity. The index evaluated network size, flight frequency, destination importance, aircraft types, alliance memberships, and direct versus multi-stop services across 315 airports. Shanghai Pudong International Airport took second place in overall connectivity, followed by South Korea’s Incheon International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Flight options throughout the Middle East expanded faster than in neighboring regions during 2025. Overall air connectivity across the Middle East grew 21%, outpacing the 10% increase recorded across Asia-Pacific. Intercontinental traffic moving through Middle Eastern hubs rose 9% year on year, standing 27% above 2019 levels.
Other UAE aviation hubs also posted strong growth figures within their respective passenger categories. Sharjah International Airport ranked as one of the top improvers among facilities handling between 15 million and 25 million passengers annually. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi International Airport featured as one of the three most improved hubs in the category covering 25 million to 40 million passengers.
Across the entire 315-airport index, 74% of evaluated locations expanded their overall route networks as international passenger demand held firm.
