Business | Aviation
More passengers pass through Dubai airport despite slump
Despite the global economic downturn, the number of passengers passing through Dubai International Airport has increased 9.01 per cent to 37,441,440 last year from 34,348,110 in 2007.
- Staff Report
- Published: 17:43 January 25, 2009
- An average of three million passengers passed through Dubai International in 2008, with a daily average of 100,000 passengers.
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
Dubai: Despite the global economic downturn, the number of passengers passing through Dubai International Airport has increased 9.01 per cent to 37,441,440 last year from 34,348,110 in 2007.
At the same time, cargo traffic at the Dubai Cargo Village climbed 9.38 per cent from 1,668,505 tonnes in 2007 to 1,824,991 tonnes in 2008.
Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates airline, said the growth was impressive, considering the global economic downturn, the record high price of oil in 2008 and the impact of the overall financial situation on civil aviation and related sectors worldwide.
In 2008, August was the busiest month for the airport in terms of passenger traffic with 3.36 million passengers, while February recorded the highest growth rate at 18.83 per cent.
An average of three million passengers passed through Dubai International in 2008, with a daily average of 100,000 passengers.
In terms of cargo movement, September was the busiest month last year, with the Cargo Village registering 163,836 tonnes of cargo, up 12.70 per cent over the corresponding month in 2007.
Paul Griffiths, chief executive officer of Dubai Airports, said he was pleased with the achievements of the company during 2008 and especially proud of the role of the staff in the opening of the airport's Terminal 3.
Shaikh Ahmad described the opening of Terminal 3 as flawless and a model for airports all over the world to emulate.
Since it was formed in October 2007, Dubai Airports has been undergoing major streamlining of its organisational structure, mainly to be more aligned to its corporate objectives.
"Dubai International's growth in 2008 is a clear sign of the UAE's sturdy economy and Dubai's significance, not only to local and regional growth but to travel, tourism and business globally. The momentum of this growth will have a positive influence on ongoing situations as well as the overall projected growth for Dubai Airports for 2009," Shaikh Ahmad said.
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