Increase in Abu Dhabi Airport Traffic by 33.5% in First Half of 2024 Thanks to Zayed International
Abu Dhabi Airports Soar to New Heights with 33.5% Passenger Growth
In a remarkable achievement, Abu Dhabi Airports recently announced a staggering 33.5% growth in passenger traffic across the emirate’s five airports in the first half of the year. This significant increase, compared to the same period in 2023, saw the total number of visitors passing through the airport network reach nearly 14 million.
Leading the charge was the Zayed International Airport, which alone facilitated over 13.7 million passengers, marking a remarkable 33.8% year-on-year increase. This growth was fueled by a substantial 24.3% rise in flight movements, signaling a promising trend for the airport’s future trajectory. Formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, Zayed International Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to solidify its position as a premier destination for international visitors and a key strategic hub for tourism, trade, and connectivity.
A key component of Zayed International Airport’s success lies in its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through innovative initiatives. One such initiative is the implementation of a cutting-edge nine-touch-point facial recognition journey, making Zayed International Airport the first and only airport globally to deploy this groundbreaking technology. This advanced system has not only streamlined the passenger process but has also significantly reduced queueing times, offering travelers a hassle-free and seamless journey through the airport. Moreover, Zayed International Airport is the sole airport in the region to provide US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance, further enhancing its appeal to international travelers.
Spanning an impressive 740,000 square meters, Zayed International Airport boasts the capability to handle 79 aircraft and accommodate 11,000 passengers per hour. Equipped with a state-of-the-art baggage handling system that can process up to 19,200 bags per hour, the airport is well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry. Notably, the newly constructed Terminal A complex, unveiled in February 2024, is set to revolutionize the airport’s infrastructure by more than doubling the capacity of the old terminals, with the capacity to manage up to 45 million passengers annually.
Looking ahead, Elena Sorlini, the managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its facilities and services to elevate the passenger experience and overall value proposition. Sorlini highlighted the importance of satisfying existing airline partners and customers while also attracting new stakeholders to further propel the airport’s growth trajectory. With these impressive results, the airport group stands poised for continued success and expansion in the future.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi Airports’ remarkable growth in passenger traffic is a testament to the emirate’s unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry. As Zayed International Airport continues to position itself as a top-tier destination for travelers worldwide, the future looks brighter than ever for Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector.
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