The UAE’s airports experienced a significant uptick in passenger traffic in the first half of 2024, handling nearly 72 million passengers—an impressive 14 percent increase from 63 million during the same period last year.
This surge in traffic includes 20 million arrivals, 21 million departures, and 30 million transit passengers, according to data from the UAE state-run Wam news agency. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) attributed the growth to the strong performance and international reputation of the UAE’s national carriers, which have been instrumental in driving this upward trend.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the GCAA’s director-general, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the airport regulator to collaborate with both federal and local partners, as well as national carriers, to bolster air transport ties with existing markets while exploring new opportunities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to maintain the UAE’s leading position in global aviation.
In addition to passenger traffic, air cargo also saw significant growth, reaching 2.2 million tonnes. This figure includes 528,430 tonnes of imports, 245,217 tonnes of exports, and 1.4 million tonnes of transit cargo. Notably, national carriers accounted for 68 percent of the total air cargo traffic, underscoring their pivotal role in the UAE’s air transport sector.
Overall, air traffic movements in the UAE totaled 499,789, marking a 12 percent year-on-year increase. February was a particularly strong month, recording the highest growth in air traffic movements with a 15 percent annual growth rate.
Dubai Airports, the operator of the world’s busiest international hub, has revised its passenger forecast for 2024, projecting a record 92 million passengers, up from the 91 million forecast in May. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi International Airport also reported significant growth, handling 10.3 million passengers in the first half of 2024—a 67 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
This robust performance across the UAE’s airports is a testament to the nation’s strategic efforts in enhancing its aviation infrastructure and services, positioning the UAE as a global leader in air transport.
