UAE Airports Experience Significant Growth With 75.4 Million Passengers In H1 2025

The civil aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates demonstrated notable growth in the first half of 2025. Passenger numbers, air cargo, and air traffic movements all showed positive trends, underscoring the sector's robust development. Airports across the UAE welcomed 75.4 million passengers during this period, a rise from 71.7 million in the same timeframe in 2024, marking a 5% increase.

January was particularly busy, with over 13.7 million travellers recorded. The UAE's national airlines expanded globally by adding flights to 15 new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These new routes include cities in Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Croatia, and Ethiopia.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), highlighted the UAE's aviation achievements. He stated that "Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership," the country continues to enhance its global standing as an international aviation hub through innovative initiatives and strategies.

Al Marri further noted that these efforts have bolstered the country's competitiveness in this vital sector. He emphasized that aviation is crucial for economic growth by diversifying income sources and supporting trade, tourism, investment, and job creation across related sectors.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, expressed confidence in the sector's future growth. He said that "Thanks to the guidance and unwavering support of our wise leadership," the aviation industry is progressing steadily towards greater prosperity. The positive indicators reflect strong infrastructure and effective collaboration among airports, airlines, and service providers.

Al Suwaidi added that stable growth rates in passenger and cargo traffic are supported by ambitious projects designed to accommodate expansion. The total passenger handling capacity at UAE airports now exceeds 160 million. This positions the country as a leading air transport hub regionally and globally.

Air Traffic Movements

The UAE saw continued growth in air traffic during H1 2025 with 531,000 movements recorded — a 6.2% increase from nearly 500,000 movements last year. Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Mumbai, and Bahrain were among the top five busiest destinations for weekly flights to and from the UAE.

Regarding air cargo operations during this period: over 2.2 million tons were handled across national airports — reflecting a 4.74% increase compared to last year’s figures; national carriers accounted for two-thirds (67%) of total cargo traffic handled within these facilities.

The UAE's civil aviation sector remains on a path of steady progress due to strategic planning and leadership support. By expanding connectivity with global markets through advanced regulatory frameworks alongside ongoing infrastructure developments — it continues playing an essential role within both regional economies while reinforcing its position as an influential player worldwide.

With inputs from WAM