UAE Airports Handle Over 71 Million Passengers And 2 Million Tonnes Of Cargo In H1 2024

Passenger traffic at UAE airports increased by 14.2 percent in the first half of 2024. The airports managed over 71.75 million passengers during this period, up from 62.79 million in the same timeframe last year.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), credited this growth to the UAE leadership's long-term vision and wise guidance. This includes ongoing investments in infrastructure development, regulatory enhancements, and advancements in digital transformation within civil aviation.

Al Suwaidi highlighted that the competitive performance and international reputation of UAE national carriers are evident in these growth figures. He stated, "We are optimistic about the future, and the country is taking planned steps to further expand and grow in this vital sector. We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security, adopting new technologies to enhance the passenger experience, and establishing the country as a key hub for air transport in the region and a major player in the global aviation network."

The GCAA collaborates with federal and local partners, along with national carriers, to explore cooperative relationships in air transport with existing markets while identifying opportunities for new markets. Al Suwaidi emphasised that GCAA has successfully signed air transport agreements with over 90 percent of the world’s countries.

The authority remains dedicated to advancing development plans to boost UAE’s civil aviation sector's competitive standing globally. This commitment is reflected in their continuous efforts to enhance safety measures and adopt new technologies.

Passenger and Cargo Statistics

In detail, arrivals at UAE airports during the first half of 2024 totalled 20,274,694 passengers. Departures reached 21,090,750 passengers, while transit passengers numbered 30,391,978.

Air cargo traffic during this period amounted to 2,162,786 tonnes. This included 528,430 tonnes of imports, 245,217 tonnes of exports, and 1,389,136 tonnes of transit cargo. National carriers were responsible for 68 percent of total air cargo traffic.

Overall Air Traffic Movements

Total air traffic movements for the first half of 2024 reached 499,789 movements. This represents an overall growth rate of 11.8 percent compared to the same period last year. February saw the highest growth in air traffic movements with a rate of 15 percent compared to February last year.

The UAE's strategic approach ensures continued growth in its aviation sector through infrastructure investments and regulatory improvements. The focus on digital transformation also plays a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge globally.

With inputs from WAM