UAE aviation capacity soars to 87.1 million seats in 2024
The UAE aviation network, which includes Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia, handles over 12 million PAX per month
UAE carriers have achieved full capacity recovery, reaching 87.1 million seats in 2024, marking a 10.5% increase from 2023 and 15% growth compared to 2019. This achievement strengthens the UAE’s status as a leading aviation hub, supported by infrastructure improvements, clean energy initiatives and airport expansion.
According to OAG, UAE carriers’ seat capacity growth exceeded the global average growth rates of 2.4% (vs 2019) and 6.4% (vs 2023). The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) forecasts passenger traffic at UAE airports to reach approximately 150 million by end-2024, up from 134 million in 2023.
The UAE aviation network handles over 400,000 daily passengers and averages more than 12 million monthly passengers, alongside 10,000 tonnes of daily cargo. Major carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia offered over 6.39 million seats in December 2024.
The newly renamed Zayed International Airport was recently voted most beautiful airport in the world at the Versailles Prix architectural competition in Paris
Key developments include construction of a new AED128 billion ($34 billion) passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world’s largest with 260 million passenger capacity and 400 aircraft gates. The newly branded Zayed International Airport was inaugurated in 2024, winning “World’s Leading Airport Operator” and “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” awards.
Dubai International Airport maintained global leadership in international flight capacity throughout 2024, surpassing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in combined rankings twice. Emirates Airlines secured multiple accolades including four World Travel Awards and topped the Ultras Awards 2024, while Etihad won recognition for best Economy Class, in-flight entertainment and First Class Lounge.
Sustainability initiatives in 2024 included expanded sustainable aviation fuel usage and Dubai Airports’ launch of the world’s largest airport rooftop solar installation, which will supply 6.5% of Dubai International Airport’s energy and 20% of Al Maktoum International Airport’s needs. UAE airline fleets maintain an average age of 12-15 years, supporting reduced carbon emissions.
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