Last month, Dubai International Airport celebrated its 1 billionth passenger to travel through the airport. The milestone was reached by a 9 year old traveling with his family on an Emirates flight from Orlando (MCO).

Arjun and his family were greeted by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports. They received a free stay at the Atlantis Palm Dubai and visits to Aquaventure water park and the Burj Khalifa.

The airport reached the milestone after 60 years, though half of its traffic came in the last seven years. Dubai International now sees an average of 7.5 million passengers each month, making it the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic.

The airport used forecasts to figure out which flight would carry its 1 billionth passenger and asked Emirates to pick one person at random.

“This landmark billionth passenger achievement is the result of team work and collaboration, and special thanks goes out to each and every member of the airport community who have played a role in this journey,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

“Of course, we would not be in this position if it weren’t for the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai both of whom foresaw the development of Dubai into a global centre for trade, tourism and commerce enabled by a fast-growing and world-leading aviation sector with top-flight airport infrastructure.”