UAE airports see 14.2% surge in passenger traffic in first half of 2024
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reported a 14.2% increase in passenger traffic at UAE airports for the first half of 2024. Over 71.75 million passengers were handled, up from 62.79 million in the same period last year.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, attributed this significant growth to ongoing investment in infrastructure development, regulatory enhancements and digital transformation in civil aviation. He noted that the growth indicators reflect the competitive performance and international reputation of UAE national carriers.
“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,” Al Suwaidi stated.
The GCAA is collaborating with federal and local partners and national carriers to explore air transport opportunities in existing and new markets. Al Suwaidi mentioned that the GCAA has signed air transport agreements with over 90% of countries worldwide and remains committed to advancing development plans to boost the UAE’s competitive position in global civil aviation.
Detailed figures show 20,274,694 arrivals, 21,090,750 departures and 30,391,978 transit passengers at UAE airports during the first half of the year.
Air cargo traffic reached 2,162,786 tonnes, comprising 528,430 tons of imports, 245,217 tonnes of exports and 1,389,136 tons of transit cargo. National carriers accounted for 68% of total air cargo traffic.
Total air traffic movements for the first half of the year reached 499,789, an 11.8% growth compared to the same period last year. February saw the highest growth in air traffic movements, with a 15% increase compared to the same month last year.
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