Abu Dhabi Int'l passenger traffic surges 17.2% in H1

Abu Dhabi - Growth sustained on new destinations, more aircraft movements

Abu Dhabi Airports on Thursday said passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport rose 17.2 per cent in first half of 2015 as the airlines including Etihad Airways connected the capital to more destinations across the globe.   
The airport continued its robust performance and welcomed 11.11 million passengers during January-June compared to 9.48 million in the similar period last year. It also registered 10.8 per cent passenger traffic growth in June as it handled 1.85 million passengers compared to 1.67 million in the same month last year.
Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, chief executive officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said it is very encouraging to see a constant increase in passenger traffic numbers, despite the challenges in the aviation sector.
"This continuous growth further demonstrates the fact that travellers increasingly see Abu Dhabi both as a destination of choice and as a logical transit point on long journeys. This in turn is further evidence of the airport's rapidly growing status as a vital global transportation hub," Al Mazrouei said.
The airport added several new destinations in first half as the airlines began flights to Madrid, Pune, Edinburgh, Venice and Entebbe. Additionally, the frequency of flights between the existing routes increased significantly. In June, the airport announced 271 additional weekly flights for its summer programme.  "The capacity enhancement programme, which is helping us address the more immediate demands of the passenger growth, is on track as part of our commitment to deliver to our promise and present a unique travel experience, through implementing innovative solutions," Al Mazrouei said.
India retained its top spot as the airport's largest market, and traffic to and from the capital to the subcontinent recorded a 57.8 per cent rise during the January-June 2015 as compared to corresponding period last year. Saudi Arabia, Germany, Pakistan and the UK were the next largest in terms of passenger volume to and from Abu Dhabi. Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research, said continued growth at Abu Dhabi International validates not just the positive effects of incumbent Etihad's expansions, but it also highlights the surging demand for travel to and through the city.
"With almost an 11 per cent increase in passenger traffic in June compared to the same month a year ago, and a 17.2 rise year-to-date, like its sister airport at Dubai, Abu Dhabi International is poised to hit another record breaking year," Ahmad told Khaleej Times.
He said Abu Dhabi International Airport has become an effective partner for passengers to visit the city and also use it as a connection point for onward travel.
Aircraft movements at the airport also recorded strong 15 per cent year-on-year growth during the period as it reached 84,938 from 73,862 movements in same first-half period of 2014. The airport also recorded 9.6 per cent growth in cargo activity during first half by handling 414,203 tonnes cargo.
- muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi