Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC),
the owner-operator of Abu Dhabi International
Airport, announced a 38.6 per cent growth in
passenger traffic in the first half of 2008.
Cargo handled in the first half also enjoyed
steady growth, up 15.8 per cent at 172,762
tonnes, with aircraft movements up 16.8 per cent
over the same period in 2007.
Figures for the second quarter alone saw
passenger figures grow at a comparatively more
modest rate of 29.7 per cent; yet, in relation
to international norms, the growth rates are
extremely healthy, ADAC said in a statement
yesterday.
The monthly figures for June 2008 (against June
2007) were consistent, with passenger numbers up
35.6 per cent, cargo up 13.2 per cent and
aircraft movements in solidly positive territory
at 14.1 per cent.
Strength
"It is clear that Abu Dhabi is currently
enjoying a reversal or 'bucking' of the
industry's international trends which
demonstrates the strength and growth of Etihad
Airways, and the increasing understanding Abu
Dhabi has as a natural, strategic and
competitive hub for long-haul transit traffic
connecting East and West," said Rudy Vercelli,
chief executive officer of ADAC.
"Although the growth rates here are much higher
than international levels, they are more common
from a regional standpoint and passenger traffic
at Abu Dhabi Airport remains in line with
anticipated projections," added Vercelli.
The soon-to-be-opened Terminal 3 demonstrates
Abu Dhabi International Airport's need to grow
and accommodate the influx of passengers it is
now receiving and the new five million passenger
facility - set to be fully opened later this
year - will do just that by bringing the total
passenger capacity at the airport to over 12
million.
The full use of facilities at Terminal 3,
including immigration areas, baggage handling
and the airport's new retail environment is
scheduled to be fully operational towards the
end of 2008. The incremental or phased opening
of the terminal started earlier in the year and
a number of its gates are now being used.
While Abu Dhabi's Terminal 1/1A reported the
strongest growth of the existing terminals with
a 33 per cent growth, Terminal 2 saw a 30 per
cent rise in traffic due to the start of
operations this year by the likes of Sama and
NAS air.
ADAC also released the top five most popular
city destinations travelled to from the UAE
capital in June. Doha topped the list, followed
Cairo, London, Manama and Jeddah. These five
cities represented 17 per cent of total traffic
through Abu Dhabi International Airport during
the month in review. |
