Coronavirus: 18 million passengers passed through Dubai Airports in 2020

Almost 18 million passengers passed through the Dubai Airports last year even as the world battled the Covid-19 pandemic and countries imposed lockdowns and border closures to counter its spread.

According to the latest figures released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the emirate’s airports facilitated the travel of 17.88 million passengers in 2020.

About 1.7 million Smart Gates users are registered in all.

According to the GDRFA, it had set in place a “smart plan” to counter the “exceptional circumstances” caused by Covid-19. “The UAE, as an integral part of the global system, overcame the crisis with innovative solutions to combat the coronavirus.”

Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, confirmed that the Dubai Airports had witnessed an increase in passenger numbers since air traffic resumed in July 2020.

He stressed Dubai’s readiness to receive travellers from around the world amid strict health and safety measures.

The officer also revealed that the number of travellers had increased during the New Year holidays. “This reflects the world’s confidence in the precautionary measures adopted by the UAE.”

He said the reopening of Smart Gates helped ensure a contact-free travel.

Maj-Gen Al Marri stressed the UAE Government’s “extraordinary efforts to confront the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure protection for all”. He hailed the free Covid-19 vaccination campaigns that are underway across the country.

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi