Abu Dhabi: A double digit growth of passenger traffic by 19.6 per cent compared to the same period of 2012 was reported by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
ADAC, the operator of Abu Dhabi’s five airports, said in a statement that more than 1.3 million passengers passed through the airport’s facilities in January 2013.
“Aircraft movements, which also registered a positive growth of 12.6 per cent in January, totalled 11,119. Similarly, cargo volume recorded an increase of 25 per cent compared to January 2012. The cargo volume recorded in January 2013 reached 48,875 tonnes,” said ADAC.
Ahmad Al Haddabi, ADAC’s Chief Operating Officer said: “Abu Dhabi International Airport has welcomed the new year with a positive start. This continuous double digit growth in passenger traffic in the past decade further validates ADAC’s strategy in accommodating this growth with bigger and enhanced facilities.”
Al Haddabi added: “The expansion works currently underway in Terminal 1 will deliver the extra capacity needed, enabling Abu Dhabi International Airport to continue to deliver high quality services to all passengers.”
ADAC said earlier: “The current facility including the developments that are going to be taking place from now and until 2015 will take us close to 18 million passengers. When the new midfield terminal is operative, we will be able to get up to 20 million passengers in 2016 and up to 40 million in the future.”
Abu Dhabi’s airport, currently one of the fastest growing in the world, is expected to handle up to 40 million passengers once its $6.8 billion expansion plan is complete by the coming two years.
“ADAC is committed to providing world class air transport infrastructure for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi throughout the coming period, leading to the delivery of the iconic Midfield Terminal Complex in 2017,” Al Haddab said.
The top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport during January were Bangkok, London, Doha, Manila and Bahrain.
