Passenger traffic at the UAE’s airports witnessed a notable increase during the first half of 2024, rising 14.2 percent to over 71.75 million passengers compared to 62.79 million during the same half last year.
The latest data from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reveals that the number of arrivals at UAE airports reached 20,274,694 passengers, departures totaled 21,090,750 passengers, and transit passenger numbers hit 30,391,978.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA, attributed the sector’s significant growth to the long-term vision and wise guidance of the UAE leadership. The UAE has constantly invested in infrastructure development, regulatory enhancements, and digital transformation in civil aviation.
“We are optimistic about the future, and the country is taking planned steps to further expand and grow in this vital sector,” Al Suwaidi added.
Air traffic surges
As for overall air traffic, total movements at the UAE’s airports during H1 of 2024 reached 499,789 movements, up 11.8 percent annually. Besides, February recorded the highest growth in air traffic movements, with a growth rate of 15 percent annually.
Al Suwaidi noted that the UAE national carriers’ competitive performance and international reputation are evident in the growth the sector has witnessed.
“We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security, adopting new technologies to enhance the passenger experience, and establishing the country as a key hub for air transport in the region and a major player in the global aviation network,” he added.
Read: Abu Dhabi Airports bolsters advanced air mobility infrastructure in emirate with Groupe ADP
Expansion into new markets
Al Suwaidi also noted that GCAA is working with federal and local partners, as well as national carriers, to explore and develop cooperative relationships in air transport with existing markets. Moreover, the authority is working on identifying opportunities for entering new markets.
The GCAA has also successfully signed air transport agreements with over 90 percent of the world’s countries and remains dedicated to advancing development and expansion plans to boost the competitive standing of the UAE’s civil aviation sector on the global stage.
During the first half of 2024, Air cargo traffic at UAE airports reached 2,162,786 tons, of which 528,430 tons were imports, 245,217 tons were exports, and 1,389,136 tons were transit cargo. National carriers accounted for 68 percent of the total air cargo traffic.
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