FOR the first time in 12 years, Dubai Airport could be knocked off its top spot for the world’s busiest airport.
It’s set to be overtaken by a hub in South Korea which has indoor waterfalls and peaceful gardens – while London Heathrow stays at number two.
Incheon International Airport in South Korea is expected to become the world’s busiest Credit: Alamy
In the first half of 2026 is served 38.4million passengers Credit: Alamy
Incheon International Airport could become the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, according to preliminary data from the Airports Council International.
The data reveals that Incheon served 38.4million international passengers during the first six months of 2026 which could see it given the title.
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Prior to this, Dubai International held the crown of the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for over a decade.
Last year it saw 96.2million international passengers in one year.
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But due to the Iran War, footfall has decreased, and it’s predicted to fall outside of the top five.
However, Dubai International is still predicted to have seen 70million passengers by the end of the year.
According to the initial reports, London Heathrow is set to retain second place, recording 37.79 million passengers in the first half of the year.
It came in second place last year with 79.8million international passengers in 2025.
Expected to be in third place is Singapore’s Changi Airport, which has seen 34.53million international passengers pass through in the first half of this year.
Incheon International Airport first opened in 2001 as a hub for northwestern South Korea – about 25 miles away from Seoul and has seen visitor numbers skyrocket.
Inside the airport are lush gardens and even an indoor waterfall Credit: Facebook/Incheon Airport
It has had an increase of 18 per cent this year with some traffic from flights taking different paths due to airspace closures.
South Korea has seen a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to K-pop as well as its fashion and food.
For anyone travelling across, to Incheon International Airport, they’ll find it’s modern and bright with high glass ceilings, plenty of natural light and indoor gardens.
The botanical zones have features like waterfalls as well as vertical gardens with trees and orchids to give it a calming feel.
Terminal 2 is designed to appear like an art museum with rotating installations, sculptures, and even interactive exhibits.
The airport also has a spa and sauna, capsule hotels, children’s play areas – outside is a 36,000-square-meter flower field and plane-spotting park.
The Iran War means that Dubai International could be knocked off top spot Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
London Heathrow is expected to remain in second place Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
One passenger was so impressed by the airport that he called it the “future of travel”.
Another called it “Korea’s most beautiful terminal”.
Incheon International Airport also ranked seventh in Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Awards’.
These airports were declared the best by readers who voted in their thousands for their favourites in multiple categories for the publication.
Official statistics will be released by the ACI in its World Airport Traffic Report next month.
These were the world’s busiest airport for international passengers in 2025…
These are were the results for ACI’s busiest airport for international passengers last year…
Dubai International
London Heathrow
Incheon International Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Istanbul Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Frankfurt Airport
Hamad International Airport
