Abu Dhabi Airports, which manages five airports in the emirate, experienced a notable surge in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2024, marking a substantial increase of over 35% compared to the same period in 2023.
This surge amounted to 6.9 million passengers, up from 5.1 million in the corresponding period last year.
The increase in passenger traffic was attributed to robust global demand for both passenger and commercial aviation services. Flight movements also saw a positive uptick during this period, with a total of 61,737 movements recorded, representing an 11.4% increase compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Among the airports, Zayed International Airport (AUH) played a significant role, welcoming over 6.8 million passengers. The recently inaugurated terminal witnessed substantial growth in traffic movements, up by 26.6%, and passenger traffic, up by 36%.
During the first quarter of 2024, AUH expanded its airline roster with the reintroduction of Turkmenistan Airlines and the launch of Hainan Airlines, which serves Haikou, China. As a result, the total number of regular scheduled operators at AUH increased to 29 airlines.
In terms of top destinations, London retained its position as the leading destination city, with close to 290,000 passengers traveling to and from the UK capital. Other top destinations included Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, and Doha, reflecting the strong connectivity between Abu Dhabi and major cities across the globe.
Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the continued success in attracting airlines and passengers worldwide. She emphasized the commitment to enhancing facilities and services to improve the passenger experience and attract new airline partners.
Additionally, cargo traffic witnessed significant growth during the first quarter, with 162,000 metric tons of air freight handled across all airports, marking a 25.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This underscores Abu Dhabi's role as a crucial hub for global trade and commerce, facilitating the transportation of various goods, including general cargo and specialized products like express deliveries, temperature-controlled items, and pharmaceuticals.
