The increase in passenger traffic was especially notable in the third quarter of 2024, during which Abu Dhabi Airports accommodated 7.7 million travelers.
Abu Dhabi Airports experienced a record year-on-year (YoY) increase of 31.2% in passenger traffic during the first nine months of 2024, serving 21.7 million passengers compared to 16.5 million in the same period last year.
The growth in passenger numbers was particularly significant in the third quarter of 2024, with the airports accommodating 7.7 million passengers—a 27% rise compared to the same quarter the previous year. This surge is attributed to Abu Dhabi's emergence as a preferred hub for both business and tourism.
Key factors contributing to this increase include the expansion of route networks by existing airline partners and the introduction of new airlines such as Turkmenistan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, US Bangla Airlines, British Airways, Akasa Air, Flynas, and Air Samarkand, along with the resumption of Aeroflot’s seasonal operations.
Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, stated, “The addition of new airlines and the strong performance of our existing partners reflect the confidence in Abu Dhabi as a leading aviation hub. This confidence is also mirrored in our cargo operations, and we are dedicated to enhancing connectivity and trade by investing in our infrastructure and services.”
On August 2, Abu Dhabi's main airport, Zayed International Airport, recorded its highest volume of passengers ever, processing 92,677 individuals in a single day.
Aircraft movements at Abu Dhabi airports increased by 10.2% YoY, totaling 185,485 year-to-date (YTD), up from 168,377 in the first nine months of 2023. London continued to be the top destination, followed by Mumbai, Kochi, Cairo, and Doha.
Point-to-point traffic also saw a significant rise, increasing by 27.3% to reach 10.3 million passengers, while transfer traffic surged by 36% to 10.9 million.
Cargo operations also experienced growth, with the amount of cargo handled at Abu Dhabi airports rising by 23% to 572,000 metric tonnes YTD, compared to 465,000 metric tonnes in 2023. This increase was driven by higher demand for both belly-hold capacity and freighter services.
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone is enhancing its warehousing capabilities through two new Musataha agreements: a 29,000-square-meter facility with MSM Logistics (Dhs 85 million) and a 140,000-square-meter facility with Radius Group in the Al Falah District (Dhs 320 million).
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