ABU DHABI INTL AIRPORT POSTS 13.9% RISE IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC

The Abu Dhabi International Airport reflected a significant growth of 13.9 per cent in passenger traffic in 2011 as compared to 2010.

According to Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) performance report released today, the airport greeted 12.4 million passengers, marking a record number for the Capitals gateway Cargo traffic was also on the rise recording 481,500 tonnes, an increase of 10per cent in comparison to 2010.

The double-digit increase of passenger, aircraft and cargo figures are part of a remarkable growth that the airport is experiencing. ADACs ongoing investment in improving the airport facilities and its comprehensive airline marketing strategy have attracted new airlines and encouraged existing airlines to expand their services to Abu Dhabi. 2011 witnessed the joining of leading airline companies to its network such as Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia, and Czech Airlines, which increased the airports reach to new destinations hence expanding further its connectivity. The airport enjoyed the addition of 8 new destinations via new and existing airline partnerships, to include Hong Kong, Prague, Seychelles, Male, Dusseldorf, Bangalore, Chengdu and Aleppo to its network. Moreover, the scheduled charter market saw considerable growth, especially with the launch of the MSC cruises out of Abu Dhabi and the new hotel offers in the city.

James E. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of ADAC commented The continuous increase of Abu Dhabi International Airports passenger traffic shows a true reflection of the growth that the Emirate is witnessing in trade, industry and tourism, and illustrates the significant investment and vision by ADAC in creating a world class airport. In December, we welcomed over 1,147 million passengers, recording 17.8per cent uplift in total passenger traffic. This made December the busiest month of the year for Abu Dhabi international Airport and the sixth consecutive month where we recorded more than a million passengers. ADAC is striving to become one of the top airport operators in the world by carrying out more improvements and developments at the airport. The completion of Terminal 1 this year was a great success, as it aimed at delivering the best services to travellers in speed, efficiency, comfort and satisfaction, he added.

Etihad Airways, the UAEs award winning national airline, continues to play a key role in the growth of Abu Dhabi International Airport. As a result of Etihads new aircraft and new destinations served during 2011, scheduled passenger aircraft movement grew by 6.2per cent , totalling 90,281 movements, with Etihad recording 61.4per cent of the total aircraft traffic.

The top 10 routes from Abu Dhabi International Airports during 2011 were: London Heathrow; Doha; Bangkok; Manila, Jeddah; Sydney; Cairo; Frankfurt; Bahrain and Paris Charles de Gaulle. These destinations collectively generated 32.9 per cent of the airport total passengers traffic.

(WAM)