Abu Dhabi Airports, operator of the emirate’s five commercial airports, announced its results for 2024, showcasing significant growth and reaffirming its position as a leading global aviation hub.
The company facilitated 29.4m passengers through its airports, a 28.1 per cent increase compared to the 22.9m passengers in 2023, driven by network expansion, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to delivering a world-class passenger experience.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) served as the primary catalyst of this growth, connecting travellers to an expanded network of more than 125 destinations with 29 new routes launched during 2024.
Abu Dhabi Airports growth
AUH welcomed the addition of eight new airlines to its network, including:
- British Airways
- Air Astana
- Aegean Airlines
- US Bangla Airlines
- Akasa Air
- Hainan Airlines
- Flynas
- Turkmenistan Airlines
The expanded connectivity is further reflected in a 10 per cent increase in aircraft movements across the five airports, from 226,362 in 2023 to 249,747 in 2024, highlighting a significant demand from key markets such as the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt.
It further solidifies the emirate’s global connectivity and its appeal to travellers worldwide.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “2024 was a highly successful year for Abu Dhabi Airports, marked by record-breaking passenger traffic, significant cargo growth, and the successful completion of key infrastructure projects.
“These achievements highlight our commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global aviation hub.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our stakeholders and airline partners, this strong performance positions us for continued progress and reinforces our contribution to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification”.
Abu Dhabi Airports drove substantial growth in cargo traffic, handling 678,990 tonnes in 2024, a 21 per cent increase compared to 560,434 tonnes in 2023.
The surge in cargo volume highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a global logistics centre facilitating international trade, driven by investments in cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technologies.
Abu Dhabi Airports continued its investment in key infrastructure projects and passenger-centric initiatives throughout 2024, further enhancing operational efficiency and the overall passenger experience at Zayed International Airport.
These investments included the successful completion of the Northern Runway Rehabilitation Project, ensuring continued operational resilience.
Furthermore, the inauguration of the new US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) facility enhanced convenience for passengers travelling to the US.
The introduction of biometric touchpoints, including check-in desks, self-service baggage-drop, and e-gates, has streamlined the passenger journey and increased speed and efficiency.
The Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) underwent a period of significant expansion in 2024, driving forward the emirate’s ambitious economic diversification strategy.
This was evidenced by a series of key developments, including the groundbreaking for a new AED85m ($23.1m) warehousing facility in Al Falah District, established through a strategic partnership with MSM Logistic.
This project was specifically designed to enhance trade and stimulate economic development within the emirate.
Reinforcing ADAFZ’s commitment to growth was the signing of a Musataha Agreement with Radius Group, paving the way for the development of AED320m ($87.1m) -worth of best-in-class warehouses, also in Al Falah District.
These initiatives, along with ongoing projects such as the construction of the state-of-the-art East Midfield Cargo Terminal (EMCT), not only transformed the logistics landscape but also reinforced Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading business and investment hub.
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