Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a significant rise in passenger traffic at its airports during the first half of 2024, with a remarkable 14.2% increase. During this period, the airports accommodated over 71.
75 million passengers, a notable jump from 62.79 million in the same period the previous year. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), credited this impressive growth to the UAE’s strategic vision and strong leadership.
He emphasized that ongoing investments in infrastructure, regulatory enhancements, and the drive for digital transformation within civil aviation have played crucial roles in this success. Al Suwaidi pointed out that the strong performance and esteemed international reputation of UAE national carriers are clearly reflected in these positive growth figures. He expressed confidence in the future, noting that the UAE is actively implementing strategic initiatives to further develop and expand this vital sector.
The nation remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security while integrating innovative technologies to enhance the passenger experience, with the goal of positioning the UAE as a leading air transport hub in the region and a major player in the global aviation industry. Al Suwaidi emphasized that the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is actively working in collaboration with federal and local partners, as well as national airlines, to strengthen air transport relationships with existing markets and explore opportunities in new ones. He noted that the GCAA has successfully forged air transport agreements with over 90% of countries worldwide and continues to focus on initiatives that enhance the development and expansion of the UAE’s civil aviation sector, solidifying its competitive edge on the global stage.
In the first half of 2024, UAE airports welcomed a total of 20,274,694 arriving passengers, while departures reached 21,090,750, and transit passengers accounted for 30,391,978. Air cargo traffic during this period amounted to 2,162,786 tons, comprising 528,430 tons of imports, 245,217 tons of exports, and 1,389,136 tons of transit cargo. National carriers played a significant role, handling 68% of the total air cargo traffic.
Overall air traffic movements reached 499,789 in the first half of the year, marking an 11.8% growth compared to the same period last year. February stood out with the highest increase in air traffic movements, recording a 15% growth compared to the same month in the previous year.
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