Latest news with #passengergrowth


UAE Moments
2 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Abu Dhabi Airport See Traffic Soar Past 15.8 Million in 2025
Abu Dhabi Airports has reported impressive growth in the first half of 2025, welcoming more than 15.8 million passengers between January and June, a 13.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! The newly renamed Zayed International Airport (AUH) was the driving force behind this surge, with 15.5 million passengers passing through its gates by the end of June, marking a 13.2% rise year-on-year. More Flights, More Destinations Supporting this record growth were 133,533 flights across Abu Dhabi's five airports during the first six months of the year, up 9.2% from H1 2024. At AUH alone, aircraft movements jumped to 93,858 flights, an 11.4% increase from the same period last year. Expanding Abu Dhabi's global reach has been central to this success, with 16 new destinations added to the network and several new airline partners joining. Highlights include: China Eastern Airlines: Four weekly flights to Shanghai (daily starting September) Air Seychelles: Six weekly flights Fly Cham: New service to Damascus IndiGo: New routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam, solidifying AUH as IndiGo's most connected hub in the UAE. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: 'Consistently delivering positive growth for the past 17 quarters is testament to the dedication and collective effort of the entire Abu Dhabi Airports team. It reflects our operational agility, commitment to delivering an exceptional aviation experience, and attracting international investors.' Cargo Operations Hit New Heights Abu Dhabi Airports also excelled in cargo operations, handling 344,795 tonnes of cargo year-to-date, a strong indicator of the emirate's growing role in global trade. This was supported by strategic initiatives, including a joint venture with JD Property (part of to build a 70,000 sqm advanced-tech logistics hub, catering to the booming e-commerce and specialised cargo demand across the GCC and MENA. Strategic Milestones and Awards The first half of 2025 also saw key achievements across the airport network: Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport, enhancing eco-tourism access in Al Dhafra. AUH earned a prestigious 3 Pearl Estidama rating for sustainable construction. AUH was named 'Best Airport at Arrivals Globally' for the third year running at the ACI ASQ Awards. At Al Bateen Executive Airport, progress continued on a dedicated service facility in partnership with Bombardier, boosting Abu Dhabi's MRO capabilities. A new MoU with TAQA Distribution aims to bring next-generation utility technologies to the airport network, furthering innovation and sustainability. Looking Ahead With steady growth in passengers, cargo, and destinations, and ambitious projects already underway, Abu Dhabi Airports is on track for a stellar 2025, cementing its position as a global aviation and logistics hub.


Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi Airports reports 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit pax growth in H1 2025
Image: Abu Dhabi Aiports From January to June, the operator of the emirate's five commercial airports handled over 15.8 million passengers, marking a 13.1 per cent increase over the same period Zayed International Airport (AUH) was the primary driver of growth, welcoming 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year. Flight movements also saw an uptick, with a total of 133,533 flights across the network during H1 2025, a 9.2 per cent rise over the previous year. AUH alone recorded 93,858 aircraft movements, an 11.4 per cent increase from the 84,286 flights registered in H1 2024. 'The first six months of this year have posed some operational challenges, yet our exceptional mid-year results demonstrate the resilience of our network and the collaborative partnerships that underpin our growth,' said Elena Sorlini, MD and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports. 'Consistently delivering positive growth for the past 17 quarters is testament to the dedication and collective effort of the entire Abu Dhabi Airports team,' she added. Abu Dhabi Airports expands global connectivity The group also expanded its global connectivity by adding 16 new destinations and welcoming new airline partners. Key developments include China Eastern Airlines' Shanghai route (set to go daily in September), Air Seychelles' six weekly flights, Fly Cham's service to Damascus, and IndiGo's new routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam, cementing AUH as the Indian carrier's most connected hub in the UAE. Cargo operations registered strong growth as well. 344,795 tonnes of cargo were handled in H1 2025, supported by strategic infrastructure upgrades. A key development was a joint venture agreement with JD Property, the infrastructure arm of China's to build a 70,00sqm advanced logistics facility targeting rising east-west e-commerce demand in the GCC and MENA regions. Other strategic milestones Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport, supporting Al Dhafra's eco-tourism goals. AUH receiving the 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction and being named 'Best Airport at Arrivals Globally' at the ACI ASQ Awards for the third year running. Advancement of MRO capabilities at Al Bateen Executive Airport through a collaboration with Bombardier. Signing of an MoU with TAQA Distribution to explore next-generation utility technologies across airport operations. Abu Dhabi Airports stated it will continue advancing its long-term growth strategy, focusing on expanding international partnerships, upgrading infrastructure, and driving sustainable innovation.


Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Etihad celebrates growth after transporting 20m passengers in one year
Etihad continues to soar with a record-breaking year, reaching new milestones for the first time in the airline's history. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad Airways, said: 'The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing rate. 'Following a record Q1, with AED685m ($187m) profit and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20m guests in the last year, for the first time in the airline's history. 'We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth story that has seen our annual passenger numbers more than double from 10m to 20m in just two and a half years. 'This sustained growth is driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus. We are the only airline in the region growing at this pace and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our biggest year yet.' Etihad Airways passenger numbers double Etihad has introduced three more aircraft into its expanding fleet, bringing the operational fleet size to more than 100 aircraft. The airline welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 to service and received a brand-new Boeing B787-9 delivered from Charleston, US, with an all-Emirati flight crew. Etihad also received the first of three brand-new Airbus 350-1000s delivered on July 18. Boasting one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the industry, Etihad continues to make strategic investments to meet the overwhelming demand from guests. The airline is expecting to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including the delivery of its new A321LR fleet which will enter into service from August 1. Refining luxury, the new A321LR fleet will offer First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens and high-speed super Wi-Fi in all cabins, allowing guests to stay connected via messages, calls and stream while in the air. Earlier this year, Etihad announced the order of 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth and connectivity, operational efficiency and guest experience. Following the airline's recent announcement of seven additional destinations, Etihad will have added 27 new routes this year, a remarkable milestone that reflects its ambition and commitment to increase the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi. Flying to almost 90 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Europe and Asia, this expansion is part of Etihad's ongoing strategy to support the economic growth of Abu Dhabi. These achievements are a huge step toward the goals the Etihad set out in its ambitious growth strategy which would see the network grow to more than 125 destinations, fleet to more than 170 aircraft, and passenger numbers to 38m per year, by 2030. With rapid growth in every direction, the airline is set to exceed the expectations of its seven-year growth plan, a reflection of demand and extraordinary customer satisfaction. The UAE carrier's success is a reflection of Abu Dhabi's strong aviation sector which continues to demonstrate robust growth and strategic momentum, underscoring its position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo.


Irish Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Dublin Airport gets green light to increase window for night time flights
Dublin Airport has been given the go-ahead to extend the hours during which it can use its second runway at night, increasing the number of flights it can operate. The decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála means the north runway can now be operated between 6am and midnight, two hours longer than previously. Up to now, flights were not allowed to take off or land on the runway between 11pm and 7am. DAA , the airport's operator, welcomed the decision, which, it said, 'unlocks more efficient utilisation of this vital national infrastructure which future-proofs Dublin Airport's capacity to manage further passenger growth'. However, An Coimisiún Pleanála has proposed that night time noise at the facility be managed through an annual 'noise quota'. 'The move to manage night time noise through an annual noise quota aligns with international best practice and will encourage further uptake of DAA's incentives for newer, lower emission and quieter aircraft,' the operator said. An Comisiún Pleanála has applied a restriction of 35,672 night-time flights per annum to 'protect residential amenity', a move that DAA said it was 'disappointed' about. But it said that having a clear decision 'resolves the situation' where, despite the opening of the new north runway, Dublin Airport would have fewer night time flights with two runways than it previously had with just one. The certainty provided by the decision also removes a 'significant barrier' to the DAA's separate application which seeks permission for a range of significant investments in critical infrastructure, including the lifting of the airport's passenger cap, the airport authority said. DAA said Fingal County Council was unable to progress that application further without DAA providing information to the noise regulator, Anca. It had been unable to provide this information before Thursday's planning decision. DAA said it will now work to provide the relevant information to Anca 'as quickly as possible' so that Fingal can 'get on with approving' the infrastructure application before the end of the year. DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs said: 'Overall this is a good decision for Ireland. The north nunway is a critical enabler for the growth of Dublin Airport, which is needed to keep pace with population increases and economic opportunities. 'We invested hundreds of millions in a second runway to benefit Ireland but have been hamstrung in using it effectively since it opened. 'We welcome the clarity today's decision brings which removes uncertainty for Dublin Airport and the airlines, as well as having a positive impact on jobs and investment in Ireland.' Mr Jacobs said the operator was 'disappointed with the night time movements cap which is on top of a noise quota'. 'We also reaffirm our clear commitment to engaging with the local community to mitigate the impact of airport operations and have already begun to implement the noise insulation grant scheme,' he said. 'Today's decision is also key to unlocking the block preventing Fingal from progressing our application to build the piers and stands needed to enable Dublin Airport to grow to 40 million passengers a year. 'We will work with Fingal to enable a decision on the infrastructure application before the end of the year. We need to start building – that's our biggest issue and we need planning permission to do that."


Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
9.1mln passengers travel through Sharjah Airport in H1 2025
SHARJAH: Sharjah Airport recorded strong operational growth during the first half of 2025, with the number of passengers rising to 9,110,397, an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 8,313,811 passengers. Aircraft movements also increased by 4.3%, reaching 54,953 compared to 52,695 movements during the first half of last year. Cargo handling operations registered a record growth of 6.36%, with total volumes reaching 102,427 tonnes. These results reflect the airport's operational flexibility and efficiency in accommodating the continued growth in regional and international travel and cargo movement. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, affirmed that these positive results are the outcome of continued investments aimed at meeting the expectations of all passengers in collaboration with various strategic partners. The goal remains to position Sharjah Airport among the top five airports in the region and reinforce its leadership in delivering advanced services and a safe, seamless travel experience. His Excellency also pointed out that the growth trajectory is expected to continue in the coming period, especially with ongoing expansion projects set to increase the airport's capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027. He added, 'Sharjah Airport continues to align with Sharjah's aspirations to be a preferred destination for travel, tourism, and business, through our ongoing commitment to implementing ambitious development plans. These plans focus on enhancing infrastructure and smart services while embracing the latest technologies and sustainable practices. This contributes to strengthening the confidence of passengers, airlines, and cargo operators, delivering a fully integrated travel experience in line with the highest international standards and supporting our contribution to sustainable development and investment growth across the UAE and the wider region.' Sharjah Airport Authority continues to implement comprehensive development projects, driving this growth through an expanding network of destinations and a steadfast focus on delivering an exceptional travel experience while maintaining operational excellence. The airport boasts a wide and growing network of regional and international destinations through strategic partnerships with numerous airlines. This diversity enhances its role as a vital hub connecting continents, offering passengers flexible and integrated travel options that cater to both business and leisure needs.