Abu Dhabi sees air passenger numbers rise in May

Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi climbed 6.6 percent in May as travellers continued to pass through the hub during the financial downturn.

Last month, 739,753 travelled through the airport, while aircraft movements increased 9.4 percent. Hub operator Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) also reported a 6.4 percent rise in cargo during the same period.

For the year to date, passenger traffic is up 8.2 percent to 3,793,693, ADAC added. The average daily passenger traffic for May was 26,235.

The growth represents an anomaly for the global industry, which is experiencing a general decline in air travel demand. Only the Middle East and Latin America reported an upturn in traveller volumes in April, with all other regions recording shortfalls during the same period.

Mohammed Al Bulooki, ADAC’s vice president of airline marketing and aeronautical revenue, said Abu Dhabi’s robust infrastructure and strong economy was helping attract passengers.

He added: “Our reach is growing in strong steady steps and keeping pace with the tremendous development of Abu Dhabi is making towards its ambitions as a centre for both business and leisure.

"This has been reflected in the continuing interest being shown in Abu Dhabi from the international business and leisure travelling communities, and qualified in terms by the five new airlines who have established their operations at Abu Dhabi International in 2009 alone.”

An increase in services by Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, and arrival of new carriers such as Serbian operator Jat Airways, contributed to the rise in passenger numbers, according to Al Bulooki.

Traffic to and from India, Abu Dhabi airport’s largest single market, increased 18.3 percent, while Pakistan reclaimed its position as the airport’s second largest market with 9.9 percent growth.

London was the most popular city, attracting 37,620 passengers, while Doha and Bangkok were second and third respectively. Jeddah and Manila were also busy routes in May.

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