In the first half of 2024, passenger traffic at the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s airports experienced a remarkable increase of 14.2%. During this timeframe, the airports accommodated more than 71.75 million passengers, in contrast to 62.79 million during the same period the previous year.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), credited this substantial growth in the aviation sector to the strategic vision and prudent leadership of the UAE. This progress is supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure, regulatory improvements, and the promotion of digital transformation within civil aviation.
Al Suwaidi emphasized that the competitive performance and esteemed international standing of UAE national carriers are evident in these positive growth metrics.
He also expressed confidence in the future, stating that the nation is implementing strategic measures to further develop and expand within this crucial sector. The commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security is paramount, alongside the integration of innovative technologies to improve the passenger experience. The goal is to position the country as a significant hub for air transport in the region and a prominent participant in the global aviation landscape.
Al Suwaidi further noted that the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is collaborating with both federal and local partners, as well as national airlines, to foster cooperative relationships in air transport with existing markets and to seek opportunities for entering new ones. He highlighted that the GCAA has successfully established air transport agreements with over 90% of countries worldwide and remains focused on enhancing development and expansion initiatives to strengthen the competitive position of the UAE’s civil aviation sector on the international stage.
In the first half of the year, the total number of arrivals at UAE airports was 20,274,694 passengers, while departures amounted to 21,090,750 passengers, and transit passengers totaled 30,391,978.
Air cargo traffic during this period reached 2,162,786 tons, which included 528,430 tons of imports, 245,217 tons of exports, and 1,389,136 tons of transit cargo. National carriers represented 68% of the overall air cargo traffic.
In terms of total air traffic, there were 499,789 movements recorded in the first half of the year, reflecting an overall growth rate of 11.8% compared to the same timeframe last year. February experienced the most significant increase in air traffic movements, achieving a growth rate of 15% in comparison to the same month in the previous year.
