Paul Griffiths

Paul Griffiths serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, overseeing the strategic direction and operational excellence of Dubai International (DXB) – renowned as the world's busiest airport for international passengers – and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Assuming the role of Dubai Airports' inaugural CEO in October 2007, Paul has been a driving force behind a series of successive milestones in the organisation's history. Notably, he played a crucial role in the seamless launch of Terminal 3 at DXB on October 14, one year after joining. On June 27, 2010, he successfully inaugurated Dubai's second airport, DWC. Further contributing to Dubai's aviation legacy, Paul spearheaded the opening of Concourse A on January 2, 2013, the world's first purpose-built A380 facility, followed by Concourse D on February 24, 2016. Under his guidance, the passenger terminal at DWC commenced operations on October 27, 2013.

Marking a historic moment on December 20, 2018, Paul, alongside Dubai Airports’ Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, welcomed DXB’s billionth passenger.

In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 crisis, Paul’s leadership was pivotal in ensuring DXB’s rapid and resilient recovery. Anticipating the resurgence of global travel, he led proactive measures that positioned DXB ahead of industry projections. By 2023, the airport had not only surpassed pre-pandemic traffic levels but also set new benchmarks for operational efficiency and guest experience.

In 2024, DXB achieved a historic milestone, welcoming 92.3 million guests, the highest annual traffic in its 65-year history. What made this achievement even more remarkable was that, despite the record numbers, Dubai Airports continued to enhance the guest experience, with smoother flows across touchpoints and maintaining industry-leading accuracy in baggage handling.

Before assuming his role in Dubai, Paul served as the Managing Director of London’s Gatwick Airport. Prior to his tenure at BAA, an airport operator, in 2004, he spent 14 years with the Virgin Group. During this period, he worked closely with Sir Richard Branson as a Board Director of the Virgin Travel Group, overseeing the commercial activities of both Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Trains.