ASIA PACIFIC. Dubai International Airport has surpassed Singapore Changi Airport in terms of passenger throughput for the first time in the first quarter of 2008, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).
In the three months ended 31 March Dubai handled 9.34 million passengers, up +15.1% year-on-year – fractionally more than Changi’s 9.32 million, up +6.7%.
With the help of an early Easter, Changi handled about 10,000 more passengers in March than Dubai. However, the Middle East hub’s stronger performance in the first two months of 2008 was enough to take the mantle from Changi in the quarter, said CAPA.
Dubai Airport vs Singapore Changi Airport annual passenger volumes: 1991 to 2009F
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Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and company reports |
Dubai looks set to accelerate ahead of Changi for the full year, handling just under 40 million passengers, compared to just over 39 million at Changi this year (assuming first quarter growth rates continue). President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum is confident this will be the case, stating that Dubai’s first quarter achievements “will set the tempo for the remainder of the year”.
Changi Airport is served by 80 airlines serving 188 destinations, with Singapore Airlines (SIA) accounting for 47% of total weekly seats (week commencing 21 April 2008). And if SIA’s low cost subsidiary Tiger Airways and regional unit SilkAir are added in, the flag carrier’s home share is 55.4%.
Dubai meanwhile is served by 124 airlines serving 207 destinations, with Emirates accounting for just under 55% of total weekly seats.
Dubai overtaking Singapore represents a highly significant milestone in global aviation, said CAPA. The Middle East hub now has only the Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris and London airports ahead of it in the world international passenger throughput stakes.
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FROM THE PUBLISHER: For a full overview of growth in the Middle East read The Moodie Report Digital Print Edition – MEDFA Guide. Click on the icon to download.
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