Abu Dhabi Airports Reports Passenger Surge Amid Expanding Route Network

Abu Dhabi’s airports have marked a significant milestone in passenger traffic growth, with figures showing a 31.2% increase over the year up to September 2024, underscoring the city’s rising status as a global aviation hub. Abu Dhabi Airports revealed that a total of 21.7 million passengers passed through its facilities, a jump from the 16.5 million recorded by the same point last year. This growth, especially notable during the summer peak, reflects the emirate's burgeoning appeal among leisure and business travelers alike.

The surge in numbers comes amid strategic expansions in Abu Dhabi’s flight network. New airline partnerships and route expansions have been key factors in driving passenger volume, with airlines such as Turkmenistan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, US Bangla, British Airways, Akasa Air, Flynas, and Air Samarkand joining the list of operators. Notably, the return of Aeroflot’s seasonal flights added to the momentum, with Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) now recognized as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East in terms of international seat capacity. August 2, 2024, marked a peak day for the airport, with 92,677 passengers passing through AUH on that day alone, setting a record for single-day traffic.

The airport authority also reports growth in the total number of flights, with 185,485 aircraft movements logged so far, representing a 10.2% increase year-over-year. Top destinations continue to include London, Mumbai, Kochi, Cairo, and Doha, with point-to-point traffic experiencing a 27.3% rise compared to the previous year. In line with Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to serve as a key global transit hub, transfer traffic has also climbed by 36%, accounting for 10.9 million of the total passenger count.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed optimism about these developments, highlighting the strategic importance of the airport’s network expansions and robust partnerships. Sorlini underscored the organization’s dedication to enhancing both passenger services and cargo operations, with ongoing investments aimed at bolstering Abu Dhabi’s connectivity and trade infrastructure.