Dubai Int'l traffic soars to a record 7.6m in July

Tourists andpassenger rush at arrival lounge at Dubai Airport

Passenger traffic at Dubai International surged to a record high of 7.6 million in July and the world's number one airport for international traffic is set for another record-setting year.
Data released by its operator Dubai Airports on Monday showed that passenger numbers in July totalled 7.62 million compared to the 6.68 million handled in July 2015, showing a significant increase of 14 per cent.
During the first seven months of the year, Dubai International welcomed 48.12 million passengers, up seven per cent compared to 44.98 million passengers recorded during the same period last year.
Dubai International's record breaking month for traffic doubles up on the end of Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr celebration as well as the traditional peak summer getaway period leading to increased passenger traffic flows, a senior aviation analyst said.
"A 14 per cent rise in passengers over the same period a year ago to 7.6 million aptly demonstrates that demand for travel to and through this vital hub is not slowing down," Saj Ahmad, an analyst at London's StrategicAero Research, told Khaleej Times.
Eastern Europe was the fastest growing region in July up 33.4 per cent, followed by Asia which grew by 20.8 per cent, and the Indian subcontinent at 17.1 per cent. GCC traffic rose 16.2 per cent while North America registered a 13.9 per cent increase.
Traditionally a strong market, India was the top destination country with 990,213 passengers, followed by the UK (573,025 passengers), and Saudi Arabia (475,841). London, Doha, Mumbai, Kuwait and Bangkok headed the list of the most popular destinations served from Dubai.
Aircraft movements during July reached 35,832, up 5.8 per cent compared to 33,855 recorded during July 2015. Year-to-date flight movements totalled 243,035 compared to 231,081 aircraft movements recorded during the same period last year, an increase of 5.1 per cent.
The passengers per movement remained at world-beating levels at 220 during July as DXB's rising ratio of wide-bodied aircraft continues to drive airport efficiency.
Freight volumes at Dubai International contracted 1.2 per cent in July to total 203,153 tonnes compared to 205,526 tonnes recorded during the corresponding month last year. During the first seven months of 2016, DXB handled 1.48 million tonnes of cargo, up 3.2 per cent compared to 1.44 million tonnes recorded during the same period in 2015. - abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com