Abu Dhabi Airport Sees 18.5% Rise In August Passenger Traffic

Abu Dhabi International Airport reported an 18.5 per cent year-on-year rise in passenger traffic in August 2013, with visitor numbers reaching over 1.53 million.

Aircraft movement totalled 11,608, a 15.5 per cent increase, while cargo traffic grew 29.9 per cent with more than 60,235 tonnes of cargo moved last month.

The top five destinations in August 2013 were Bangkok, London, Doha, Manila, and Bahrain, Abu Dhabi Airports said in a statement.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, COO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The robust growth in August was primarily due to the busy Eid holiday and the beginning of the ‘back to school’ season. As passenger traffic continues to grow, Abu Dhabi International Airport will ensure optimal use of resources to cater to expected travel peaks.

“The Capacity Enhancement Programme currently in progress will enable Abu Dhabi International Airport to accommodate more than 17 million annual passengers through strategic enhancements to existing facilities, the most recent of these being the new arrivals hall which opened last month,” he added.

Travellers can now access parking, taxis and limousines 20 meters away from the customs lounge, through a tunnel connecting the customs area with the new arrivals hall.

So far this year, the Abu Dhabi airport has welcomed over 10.8 million passengers, up 12.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2012.

Neighbouring Dubai has also seen a surge in passenger traffic with the Dubai International Airport welcoming a record six million passengers in August 2013, a 23.8 per cent year-on-year hike.