Dubai International's passenger traffic rises 6.1 per cent in July

Passenger traffic in July reached 5,310,361, an increase of 6.1 per cent compared to 5,006,155 during the corresponding month in 2012. Year to date traffic is up 15.3 per cent to 37,972,464 compared to 32,937,794 during the first seven months of 2012. Aircraft movements totalled 28,462 during July, an increase of 2.3 per cent from the 27,829 recorded during the same period last year. Passengers per aircraft movement in July came in at 201.  

All regions recorded positive growth this month with the exception of AGCC (-8.0 per cent) and the Middle East (-12.6 per cent) both of which saw traffic dip due to the year-on-year shift in the timing of Ramadan. Among the strongest markets in terms of percentage* passenger growth were Eastern Europe (+58.7 per cent), driven by flydubai expansion to multiple destinations in the region and Emirates’  new service to Warsaw. Passenger traffic to and from Australasia rose 49.4 per cent driven by Emirates expansion and Qantas’ new operation connecting Australia and London through Dubai. On a country level, Australia (+53.6 per cent), the U.K. (+22.1 per cent), Sri Lanka (+20.6 per cent) and France (+17.5 per cent) recorded the largest increases. 

In terms of overall passenger numbers, Western Europe traffic took over as the top market thanks to robust growth (+13.4 per cent) during the month. The Indian subcontinent, which fell to second spot, continued to show positive growth (+6.1 per cent) due to the expansion of several Indian carriers including Indigo, Spice Jet and Air India Express. North American traffic growth slowed recently, in comparison with the strong growth trends witnessed last year. 

Air freight volumes saw a modest increase of 1.2% per cent during July with volumes of 206,950 tonnes compared to 204,510 recorded during the same period last year. Year-to-date growth remains robust with cargo volumes totalling 1,403,844 tonnes, up 9.8 per cent from the 1,278,706 tonnes shipped during the same period last year. 

“Dubai International continues to build its reputation as a leading global hub that is characterised by relentless traffic growth, rapid expansion and an unflagging commitment to service,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “What is not immediately visible is the behind-the-scenes activity and cooperation that it takes to deliver on all three fronts every day in a complex and dynamic environment. All of this will soon be on full display to the world when “Ultimate Airport Dubai”, a ten-part series documenting the incredible story of Dubai’s aviation sector, debuts on September 5 across National Geographic Channel’s global network.” 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “As with previous months gone by, Dubai International Airport is marching towards becoming the second busiest “international airport - with a 15.3% rise in traffic year to date and a 6.1% rise in July, year-on-year, the airport is primed to knock Heathrow Airport off the perch for good. 

“Putting aside Ramadan, which falls earlier every year, Emirates and flydubai have once again been instrumental in forging growth at the airport, particularly as Emirates has partnered with Qantas to deliver a sharp traffic rises of 53% and 22% between Australia and the UK alone.” 

Ahmad added: “All of this performance will equally force eyes on the opening of passenger services at Dubai World Central in a few week's time as well - that new airport will have a tough act to follow, but given the inherent demand prevalent throughout the UAE and wider GCC, this additional capacity really can't come soon enough.”