Abu Dhabi International Airport sees passenger growth in January

The airport’s passenger statistics show that 1,564,266 passengers used the airport in January 2014, growing from 1,366,433 in January 2013. Aircraft movements are also registering a parallel increase of 7.7% growth compared with the same month last year to record 11,972 movements. 

Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Abu Dhabi International Airport’s passenger growth continues to display a positive trend for the international aviation industry. The on-going increase in passenger flow validates our strategy of expansion to meet demand from across the world.

“With the construction of the Midfield Terminal building underway, Abu Dhabi Airports will offer additional world class aviation infrastructure to serve the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by 2017.” 

Cargo activity showcased a tangible increase with 58,114 tonnes handled at the Capital’s airport, marking an 18.9% increase in January 2014 compared to the same in 2013. 

The top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport during January were Bangkok, Jeddah, Doha, Manila and London Heathrow. 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Abu Dhabi Airport is benefitting greatly from the continued expansion led by Etihad Airways. The sharp rise in traffic here underscores the unique allure and pull of the UAE - one would expect only either Dubai or Abu Dhabi to be successful, but when you look at the sheer volume of traffic growth and airplane movements, the numbers are compelling as they are robust and dispels the myth that there is any 'bubble' here. 

“And with development of the new terminal at Abu Dhabi, it can't arrive soon enough. Etihads dual organic and inorganice growth strategy is yielding dividends and they need the extra capacity to keep up with demand.”