UAE Airports Achieve 134 Million Passengers In 2023, Targeting 140 Million In 2024

In a recent announcement, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), revealed that the United Arab Emirates' airports have reached a significant milestone, surpassing the 134 million passenger mark in 2023. This achievement underscores the robustness and competitiveness of the UAE aviation sector, which has garnered considerable international confidence. Al Suwaidi's statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) also projected an optimistic outlook for 2024, with passenger traffic expected to reach 140 million.

The detailed breakdown of passenger traffic in 2023 provided by Al Suwaidi includes approximately 38 million arrivals, 37.805 million departures, and a notable 58.328 million transit passengers. This growth is attributed to a resurgence in tourism and the UAE's successful hosting of major international conferences towards the year's end. Such events have evidently played a pivotal role in boosting passenger numbers.

Looking forward to 2024, Al Suwaidi expressed optimism for further growth in passenger traffic, potentially reaching 140 million. He highlighted significant expansions at international airports, notably the inauguration of Zayed International Airport - Terminal A and the ongoing expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport. These developments are set to enable UAE carriers to operate more flights to a wider range of destinations, thus accommodating the anticipated increase in passenger volume.

UAE Aviation Sector Strengths

The strength of the UAE's aviation sector is further illustrated by its impressive fleet of over 521 aircraft belonging to national carriers and a total of 924 registered aircraft in the country. Al Suwaidi also pointed out the presence of numerous local and foreign aircraft maintenance companies, training institutions, and specialised medical facilities catering to civil aviation needs. Additionally, he mentioned that over 22,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for amateurs are registered with the GCAA, although their operation remains suspended until further notice.

Future Projects and Investments

Al Suwaidi outlined strategic projects focused on improving airspace management and ensuring smooth air traffic flow. An investment exceeding AED700 million is allocated for upgrading services at the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre over the next decade. These initiatives are part of a broader effort by the authority to implement transformative projects aimed at fostering the economic and operational development of the aviation sector.

The UAE's aviation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, backed by strategic expansions and investments. With ongoing developments and an optimistic outlook for passenger traffic in 2024, the UAE is poised to maintain its position as a leading global aviation hub.

With inputs from WAM