Passenger traffic at DXB hits an all-time high in January

Passenger traffic rose 9.7 per cent to 8,037,008 in January 2017, up from 7,327,637 in the same month in 2016. This follows DXB’s performance in 2016 during which the airport welcomed a record 83.6 million passengers. 

“It’s an auspicious start to what is sure to be another record-breaking year for DXB,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “It provides further impetus to our DXB Plus Programme, which will enhance service and boost capacity at DXB by applying technology to improved processes. It also fuels our ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience with world-leading wi-fi, retail, F&B and a wide array of offers ranging from spas to VIP service to live music.” 

Eastern Europe remained the fastest-expanding market in terms of percentage growth* (+32.5 per cent), followed by Asia (+26.4 per cent), South America (+18.6 per cent) and Australasia (15.8 per cent). In terms of passenger numbers, routes to the Indian subcontinent (1,876,448 passengers) topped the list followed by Western Europe (1,701,494 passengers), and the GCC states (1,363,089).

London (338,816 passengers) topped the list of top destinations followed by Doha (283,341), Kuwait (229,068) and Mumbai (223,399). Traffic from most regions was boosted during the month on account of holidays as well as the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. 

Flight movements totalled 36,592 in January 2017, up 2.1 per cent compared to the 35,841 movements recorded in January 2016. The average number of passengers per movement increased to 230 compared to 215 during the corresponding period in 2016. 

Freight volumes at DXB also registered gains during the month, totalling 208,271 – an increase of 3.4 per cent compared to 201,483 recorded in January 2016.

Analyst Saj Ahmad said: “After a record breaking 2016, Dubai International has started off 2017 with yet more records being broken. 

“The near 10% rise in traffic for January 2017 underscores the strength of Dubai’s allure – key to this has been flydubai’s foray into Eastern Europe, as well as a number of other airlines from that area flying into Dubai as well. And with the biggest operator in Emirates at the airport, it’s no surprise that their organic growth is pulling in traffic across its network.

“While cargo growth of around 3.4% is welcomed news on the back of the festive and New Year periods, the competitive freight environment means that this growth may be tempered going forward.”

Ahmad added: “And as flydubai gears up to shift flights to Dubai World Central later this year, the scope for Emirates to take up more slots will help them drive forward new frequencies and routes as Dubai International targets yet another record breaking year.”