Dubai Airports Maintains Workforce Amid Regional Conflict, CEO Confirms

Dubai Airports has not dismissed any staff despite ongoing regional military conflicts that have impacted the aviation industry, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Paul Griffiths.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Griffiths highlighted the high morale among employees throughout the crisis. He praised their resilience, dedication, and commitment during challenging times, noting that no redundancies were made. Griffiths described the employees' response as "absolutely amazing" and expressed his admiration for their steadfastness.

The regional conflict escalated after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. Subsequently, Iran retaliated by targeting the UAE and other Gulf nations with missile and drone strikes. These attacks forced Gulf countries to close their airspace temporarily. Dubai International Airport (DXB) was among the locations targeted during this period of heightened military tension.

Despite these challenges, Dubai Airports remains optimistic about future growth. Griffiths anticipates passenger numbers could reach around 70 million by 2026 and potentially hit 100 million the following year, although growth may slow due to the ongoing regional instability.