DXB releases passenger figures for January 2016

Passenger traffic reached 7,327,637 in January 2016, up 6.3 per cent from 6,895,668 registered during the same month in 2015, according to the traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports. 

In terms of percentage growth, North America recorded the highest growth in passenger traffic (19.9 per cent) – led by Emirates with the addition of an Orlando route and increased services to Boston, New York and Seattle – followed by the GCC (11.6 per cent) where Saudi Arabia registered double-digit growth thanks to the surge in traffic from Jeddah, and the Indian Subcontinent (8.7 per cent) mainly propelled by traffic on routes to traditionally strong markets of India and Pakistan. 

India remained the top destination country in January with a total of 989,819 passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (606,730 passengers) and the UK (488,819 passengers) while London was placed number one on the list of top destination cities followed closely by Doha and Jeddah. 

Aircraft movements* totalled 35,914 during the month under review compared to 34,643 movements recorded in January 2015, up 3.7 per cent. Passengers per aircraft movement in January came in at 214. 

DXB handled freight volumes totaling 201,483 tonnes in January 2016, an increase of 8.2 per cent compared to 186,230 tonnes recorded in January 2015. 

“The record passenger numbers in January confirm that the growth trend from last year has continued into 2016 and we are on course to meet our projection of 85 million passengers that we expect to pass through our airport this year,” said CEO Paul Griffiths. 

“Concourse D’s opening in February has increased DXB’s capacity to 90 million passengers a year, allowing us to continue to accommodate the rising number of people whilst boosting service levels. In the months ahead we will begin the complete refurbishment of Concourse C which will further improve passenger flows and the overall customer experience,” he added. 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Dubai Internationals robust start to 2016 paves the way for another strong showing ahead of its planned target of handling 85m for the year. 

“With Emirates' strong performance in key markets like the USA, its little surprise that the airport handled over 6% more passengers year on year. Dubai International has managed to leverage its position not just as a unique stop off point for one-stop connectivity and travel, but the economic resurgence in Dubai's economy, particularly in leisure and tourism as well as trade and commerce have led the airport to become a travellers favourite.” 

Ahmad added: “The opening of the new concourse will air Dubai International's appeal as well as its capability to cater for more passengers, but as it stands, it's very likely that the airport will hit the 100m passenger barrier earlier than 2020 - and that puts the pressure on the Dubai Government to expedite development of Al Maktoum International Airport faster than is currently being done at present.”