Dubai: Passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport rose 21.8 per cent to reach a record 3,968,672 in March compared to 3,259,072 recorded during the same period last year.
Cargo continued its resurgence in March with volumes increasing 21.9 per cent to 194,100 tonnes compared to 159,301 tonnes recorded in March 2009.
During the first quarter Dubai International passenger traffic grew 20.4 per cent and cargo volumes rose 26.4 per cent.
“Passenger increases in March were due to a worldwide economic recovery, capacity increases by Emirates throughout its network, new routes launched by flydubai along with additional frequencies and routes offered by other airlines operating into Dubai International,” Dubai Airports – the operating company for the airport said in an e-mailed statement.
“Although passenger numbers grew 21.8 per cent, total aircraft movements rose just 9.6 per cent indicating that load factors and average aircraft size have increased.”
The strongest traffic increases were seen on routes to North America, Russia and CIS and Asia, the latter receiving a boost from Chinese New Year which occurred in March this year.
The highest passenger volumes were generated by traffic to and from India, UK, Iran, Germany and Pakistan.
The 21.9 per cent increase in freight traffic in March was driven by volume increases at Emirates Skycargo, additional traffic generated by new cargo operators and the ongoing recovery of air cargo worldwide as companies continue to replenish inventories around the globe.
Aircraft movements increased 6.4 per cent, indicating higher cargo load factors.
