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Paul Griffiths: Dubai continues to prove an attractive hub for travellers |
UAE. Dubai International Airport handled 40.9 million passengers in 2009, a leap of +9.2% year-on-year. The growth was aided by a strong late-year surge in volumes: December traffic increased by +14.5% to 3.8 million passengers.
December’s figures marked the seventh consecutive monthly double-digit increase in passenger traffic and the second highest increase after September’s +19.5% rise.
Dubai Airports said that growth in 2009 was mainly driven by international conventions and events, gradual improvement in the global economy and expansion by Emirates Airline.
The airport is forecasting another strong performance in 2010, with traffic expected to grow by +13.6% to 46 million passengers.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Dubai Airports is setting the pace globally. Dubai International’s performance as one of the world’s fastest growing airports in 2009 is particularly impressive considering the traffic contraction seen globally.
“This rapid growth strengthens our commitment to continue building Dubai into a world-class global aviation and logistics hub. If we can set records in a tough economic environment, the sky is the limit for what we can achieve when conditions improve.”
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said: “Dubai’s location, which puts it just four hours’ flying time from one third of the world’s population, an open skies policy that welcomes competition, top notch infrastructure and compelling tourist attractions, all add up to make Dubai a very attractive hub for an ever increasing number of travellers.”
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Dubai posts +11.7% surge in October traffic; on track for 40 million passengers in 2009 – 18/11/09
