Khaleej Times, Sun, Apr 28, 2024 | Shawwal 19, 1445
UAE flights: Abu Dhabi Airports serves 6.9 million passengers in 3 months
Emirates:
Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of five airports in the emirate, recorded a
more than 35 per cent surge in passenger traffic at 6.9 million passengers in
the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2023 when the
figures were 5.1 million.
Buoyed by strong global demand for passenger and commercial services, the first
quarter of 2024 witnessed a positive upswing in flight movements, with 61,737
movements recorded, representing an 11.4 per cent increase compared to the same
period in 2023.
During this period, the Zayed International Airport (AUH) alone welcomed over
6.8 million passengers. The newly launched terminal witnessed significant jumps
of 26.6 per cent in traffic movements and 36 per cent in passenger traffic
Top 5 destinations
London maintained its status as the top destination city with nearly 290,000
passengers travelling to and from the UK capital, while the top five
destinations also included Mumbai (240,681), Kochi (206,139), Delhi (203,395),
and Doha (184,317).
Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said the figures
demonstrate the continued success of the airports in attracting a growing number
of airlines and passengers from around the world.
“Abu Dhabi Airports remains committed to investing in its facilities and
services to enhance the passenger experience and wider value proposition to
satisfy our existing airline partners and our common customers as well as
attract new ones. With these strong Q1 results, the airport group is
well-positioned for further growth and success in the future.”
Also, cargo traffic registered significant expansion in the first quarter with
162,000 tonnes of air freight handled across all airports at a 25.6 per cent
increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the figure stood at 129,000
tonnes. The figures highlight Abu Dhabi’s role in facilitating global trade and
commerce, driven by increased shipments of general cargo and specialised
products, including express deliveries, temperature-controlled, and
pharmaceuticals.
In the first quarter of this year, AUH expanded its airline database with the
return of Turkmenistan Airlines and the launch of Hainan Airlines operating to
Haikou, China, bringing the total number of regular scheduled operators to 29
airlines.
Top 5 destinations
London maintained its status as the top destination city with nearly 290,000
passengers travelling to and from the UK capital, while the top five
destinations also included Mumbai (240,681), Kochi (206,139), Delhi (203,395),
and Doha (184,317).
Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said the figures
demonstrate the continued success of the airports in attracting a growing number
of airlines and passengers from around the world.
“Abu Dhabi Airports remains committed to investing in its facilities and
services to enhance the passenger experience and wider value proposition to
satisfy our existing airline partners and our common customers as well as
attract new ones. With these strong Q1 results, the airport group is
well-positioned for further growth and success in the future.”
Also, cargo traffic registered significant expansion in the first quarter with
162,000 tonnes of air freight handled across all airports at a 25.6 per cent
increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the figure stood at 129,000
tonnes. The figures highlight Abu Dhabi’s role in facilitating global trade and
commerce, driven by increased shipments of general cargo and specialised
products, including express deliveries, temperature-controlled, and
pharmaceuticals.