World’s busiest international hub; Emirates’ main gateway for global travel
Incheon International Airport has become the world's busiest international hub in the first half of 2026, overtaking London Heathrow as disruptions from the US-Iran conflict redirect passengers to Asia. Heathrow remains under pressure to expand as Istanbul overtakes it in Europe, while Dubai declines.
The Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted as Iran and Oman have finalised a phased framework for a temporary maritime corridor and a plan to clear mines, with technical talks aiming for a permanent route and future Strait management.
Dubai airport handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half, a 32% drop from a year earlier. Second-quarter traffic reached 13 million as disruption from regional tensions eases; officials expect a return to full operation soon.