In the first three months of 2024, Dubai International Airport stopped 366 people who tried to enter with fake passports. This activity was reported by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
The incidents took place at Dubai's main airport, marking a slight increase in detections compared to last year's figures during the same period.
Dubai International Airport Enhances Security Measures
The GDRFA's findings were part of a larger effort to prevent illegal entry into the emirate.
The Global Filipino Magazine reported that throughout the previous year, officials examined over 16,000 documents and discovered 1,232 forgeries. Of these, 443 cases were serious enough to be sent to public prosecution for further legal action.
Aqil Ahmad Alnajjar, a consultant at the Document Examination Centre based in Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport, spoke about the advanced technologies being used to identify these fake documents.
One significant tool mentioned by Alnajjar is the Retro Check system. Each passport control counter at the airport is equipped with this state-of-the-art machine. It plays a crucial role in the initial screening process by detecting discrepancies and potential forgeries.
When a passport raises suspicion, it is immediately sent to the Document Examination Centre for a more detailed check.
This vigilant approach is part of Dubai International Airport's broader strategy to ensure the safety and security of its borders. Using cutting-edge technology and thorough verification processes, the airport continues to shield the city from potential security threats posed by individuals attempting to enter with forged documents.
This crackdown reflects Dubai's commitment to maintaining stringent security standards and protecting the integrity of its entry points.
Dubai International Airport Eyes New Record
Dubai International Airport is poised to break its own annual passenger record in 2024. The airport has already seen over 23 million travelers in the first quarter alone, projecting a total of 91 million passengers for the year, surpassing the previous high of 89.1 million set in 2018.
As per Simple Flying, during the first three months of 2024, Dubai International Airport recorded a notable 8.4% increase in traffic compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 23,052,060 passengers.
January was particularly busy, with 7.9 million individuals passing through the airport's gates.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, attributed this remarkable growth to the addition of several new destinations by Emirates and flydubai. He stated the airport's ongoing efforts to sustain growth and improve the experience for all visitors.
Flight movements at Dubai International Airport also rose, totaling 109,238 in the quarter, an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Although the average number of passengers per flight slightly decreased to 217 from 220, the overall load factor remained strong at 79.1%.
With these robust figures and a positive start to the second quarter, Dubai International Airport is confident in setting a new annual passenger record and continuing its role as a leading global aviation hub.