Abu Dhabi Airports welcome 21.7M passengers in 9 months

Abu Dhabi Airports has recorded an impressive increase in passenger traffic, welcoming 21.7 million passengers by September 30, 2024 - a 31.2% rise from 16.5 million passengers during the same period in 2023. This significant growth highlights Abu Dhabi’s expanding role as a major travel hub for leisure and business travelers alike.

Record Passenger Growth in Q3 2024

In the third quarter alone, 7.7 million passengers passed through Abu Dhabi’s airports, marking a notable 27% increase from Q3 2023. This boost in travel reflects the emirate’s strategic appeal, especially during the summer months, when many travelers prefer connecting through Abu Dhabi for both vacation and business destinations.

Expanded Routes and Airline Partnerships Drive Growth

Abu Dhabi’s growth in passenger numbers was further bolstered by new airline partnerships. Airlines like Turkmenistan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, US Bangla, British Airways, Akasa Air, Flynas, and Air Samarkand joined existing carriers, helping drive the spike in travelers. Aeroflot also resumed its seasonal operations, offering more options for international passengers. This growth is particularly evident at Zayed International Airport (AUH), recently named the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East by the Official Airline Guide. August 2 marked AUH’s busiest day yet, with over 92,000 passengers.

Aircraft Movements on the Rise

Aircraft movements increased in line with passenger traffic, reaching 185,485 by September—a 10.2% increase compared to 168,377 movements last year. London, Mumbai, Kochi, Cairo, and Doha topped the list of popular destinations. Both point-to-point and transfer traffic rose significantly, with the latter climbing 36% to 10.9 million passengers, demonstrating the appeal of Abu Dhabi’s location as a global connection hub.

Investment in Cargo and Infrastructure Expansion

Cargo services also grew, with 572,000 metric tonnes transported, a 23% rise from 2023. To support this, Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) signed major agreements to expand warehousing capabilities, including an 85-million-dirham facility with MSM Logistics and a 320-million-dirham warehouse project by Radius Group in Al Falah District. These investments promise to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s logistics and storage capabilities, reinforcing its position in global trade.

Positive Outlook for Abu Dhabi Airports

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed excitement over the YTD results, emphasizing the airport’s commitment to expanding connectivity and infrastructure. She stated, “The addition of new airlines and the strong performance of our existing partners reflect the confidence in Abu Dhabi as a leading aviation hub. We remain committed to investing in our infrastructure and services to further enhance connectivity and trade.”

With its strong YTD results, Abu Dhabi Airports is well-positioned to continue its growth, attracting more airlines, expanding services, and enhancing its role in global aviation and trade.