Paul Griffiths
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Airport
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.
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.
AGF Finance Summit: Shaping dialogue on global aviation growth, the role of airports in system-wide transformation, scaling SAF and wider net-zero priorities
Hall 3 – AGN Theatre; Shaping dialogue on global aviation growth, the role of airports in system-wide transformation, scaling SAF and wider net-zero
