Abu Dhabi Airports reported double-digit passenger growth for an 18th straight quarter, underlining its role as a key driver of economic growth and global connectivity.
Between July 1 and September 30 2025, the airports welcomed 8.49 million passengers, a 10.1 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. Zayed International Airport, the emirate’s flagship gateway, handled 8.35 million travellers, up 10.4 per cent year-on-year.
Flight movements across the five airports rose 6 per cent to 67,035, with AUH recording 49,073 aircraft movements, a 5.9 per cent increase from the previous year.
Abu Dhabi Airports expanded its network in Q3, adding three new airlines, including China Eastern Airlines’ daily service to Shanghai, Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights and Ethiopian Airlines’ daily service to Addis Ababa.
Twelve new destinations were introduced, with IndiGo adding routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam. Jazeera Airways also restored services connecting AUH and Al Ain International Airport with Kuwait.
Cargo traffic continued to grow, with more than 200,000 tonnes handled between July and September, up 15.5 per cent from the same period last year. Year-to-date cargo volumes reached 545,511 tonnes, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s expanding role in global trade.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “The third quarter of this year has heightened our confidence in our operations. A record 18th quarter of double-digit growth is a landmark achievement anywhere in the world. However, continually exceeding our operational expectations, strengthening our resilience through partnerships, and a collective effort by the entire Abu Dhabi Airports to ensure growth, make this achievement one to be especially proud of.
The aviation experience we offer is attracting an increasing number of visitors and investors each quarter to walk through our gates. As a key enabler of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade prospects, our airports are better positioned than ever to scale the emirate’s rapid advance.”
The quarter also saw Zayed International Airport named Best Airport for Retail at the 2025 Frontier Awards, while AUH received ACI’s Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation and Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation.
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