UAE airports shatter 2023 passenger traffic predictions with 147.8m in 2024

Abu Dhabi: Airports in the UAE shattered 2023 passenger forecasts of 140 million and welcomed 147.8 million passengers last year. Passenger traffic grew 10 per cent compared to the 134 million passengers UAE airports welcomed in 2023, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Air traffic movements reached 1.03 million flights last year, marking the highest recorded air traffic volume in the country's history.

Air cargo also saw a notable 17.8 per cent growth to reach 4.36 million tons compared to 3.7 million tons last year. These results reflect the sector’s sustainable growth and operational efficiency and its vital role in connecting the world through the UAE.

According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, these figures are not just growth indicators, they are a clear testament to the strength of the UAE’s aviation sector and its key role in supporting the national economy. “The sector continues to enhance the country’s position as a global hub for air transport, trade, tourism, and investment,” Al Marri said.

Next week, Abu Dhabi will host the ICAO 4th Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025) alongside the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace - an initiative by the UAE aimed at accelerating global efforts to scale up the production of sustainable, low-carbon aviation fuel. “These landmark events will be instrumental in advancing a safe and sustainable aviation ecosystem, with the UAE at its core,” Al Marri said.

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international hub, set a new milestone by serving 92.3 million passengers last year. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports, which manages the UAE capital’s five major commercial airports, reported 29 million passengers, and Sharjah Airport welcomed 17 million passengers.

The airports welcomed 41.6 million inbound passengers, while 41.7 million departed, and 64.4 million transited through airports last year, said GCAA. The aviation sector also witnessed a notable increase in workforce numbers, with 9,622 registered pilots, 35,899 cabin crew members, 4,493 engineers, 461 air traffic controllers, and 419 dispatchers.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority GCAA, said strategic investments in infrastructure have enabled the sector to keep pace with global demand, offering some of the world’s best air transport services and thereby unlocking vast economic opportunities.

Regarding infrastructure, the number of registered air operators in the UAE rose to 36, with 929 registered aircraft, including light sports aircraft, of which 520 belong to national carriers.