Monday, August 26, 2024 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing an impressive expansion in its national carriers’ destinations, driven by the nation’s solid reputation in global tourism and business, coupled with a resurgence in travel demand. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has forecasted a significant milestone, projecting passenger traffic to soar to 140 million. This surge underscores the ongoing growth and competitiveness of UAE airlines in the global aviation market.
The UAE’s national carriers have expanded their reach, now serving approximately 606 destinations worldwide, including joint and cargo routes. This marks a notable 3.4 percent increase from the 586 destinations served at the close of 2023.
The current breakdown of destinations per carrier showcases Emirates leading with over 144 destinations, Etihad Airways with 79, flydubai covering 125, Air Arabia reaching 218, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi serving 40 destinations. Etihad Airways stands out with its ambitious plans to expand its route network, targeting 125 destinations by 2030. The airline is strategically leveraging its location between Asia and Europe, aiming to boost its annual passenger count to 33 million.
Since the beginning of this year, Etihad Airways has been actively strengthening its network, with significant plans to reach over 125 destinations by the end of the decade. In pursuit of its expansion strategy, Etihad Airways introduced 15 new routes last year, including key desti.