Dubai Airport records highest monthly growth since October 2007
19.5% increase in passenger traffic as airport on track to break 40m passenger mark
Dubai: Dubai International Airport recorded an increase of 19.5 per cent in passenger traffic in September, the highest monthly growth rate since October 2007 when passenger numbers jumped 25.9 per cent. It is also the fourth consecutive month of double-digit passenger traffic growth.
"The airport handled a total of 3,190,408 passengers in September 2009 compared to 2,699,806 passengers during the corresponding period last year, raising the year to date passenger throughput to 30,068,739 passengers — up 7.9 per cent over 27,852,332 in 2008," a statement said.
Expectations
"With an average monthly throughput of 3.2 million passengers so far this year, and expectations of a sustained growth in traffic during the fourth quarter, Dubai International is on track to break the 40 million passenger mark projected for 2009."
Cargo growth remained stable in September with a modest increase of 2.75 per cent. Dubai Airports Cargo handled 168,334 tonnes of freight in September 2009 compared to 163,836 tonnes during the same period last year. Year-to-date cargo volumes total 1,366,880 tonnes compared to 1,361,358 tonnes in 2008, a marginal increase of 0.4 per cent.
Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO, said that Dubai International Airport remains the only airport among the top 10 airports worldwide in terms of international passenger to show positive growth in every quarter this year.
"We're seeing strong growth across all regions," said Griffiths. "We've seen a 35 per cent increase in passengers travelling to and from Asia, a 21 per cent rise in Western Europe and a 20 per cent upsurge in our largest market, the Indian subcontinent. While many airports worldwide continue to see traffic shrink, in Dubai business is good."
Griffiths cites the seasonal impact of Ramadan and increasing tourist traffic as key factors behind September's growth.
"It's clear that even during an economic downturn tourists are finding the allure of Dubai hard to resist," said Griffiths. "They are flocking to Dubai in increasing numbers to enjoy the warm weather, visit the many exciting attractions all the while taking advantage of extremely competitive airfares and hotel rates. Those numbers should continue to swell in the months ahead, particularly when the Dubai Airshow opens on November 15."
The news comes two days after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the air transport industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to focus on key challenges of growth, including safety, cost control, liberalisation and the environment.
'Oasis of good news'
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO, said, "The Middle East is an oasis of some good news for this industry. This is the only region that is growing. Over the first eight months of the year passenger demand expanded by 8 per cent, outstripped by a capacity increase of 13 per cent. But growth has not yet translated into profitability. Growth without profit is not sustainable," said Bisignani.
"We are part of a wonderful industry that connects 2.2 billion people, brings 43 million tonnes of goods to market, supports employment for 32 million people and generates $3.5 trillion (Dh12.8 trillion) in econ-omic activity. The spectacular growth in MENA reminds us of the power of aviation to drive economic development. We also face some great challenges. The biggest for our long-term future is environment. With our impressive record of delivering results and ambitious future targets I am confident that we are on the right track. In fact, we are racing ahead of governments who must now catch-up," he said.
