UAE. Passenger traffic at Dubai International climbed to 34.6 million in the first half of 2014, up by +6.2% from the same period last year. The solid growth came despite a runway refurbishment programme that reduced the airport to a one-runway operation and cut flights by -26% during May and June.
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“The first half numbers are impressive given the capacity reductions we put in place.“ |
Paul Griffiths CEO Dubai Airports |
In June, some 5,067,726 passengers passed through Dubai International, the 18th consecutive month of more than 5 million passengers, though the figure was down -8.5% from the 5,537,908 passengers in June 2013.
In the first six months of the year 170,815 aircraft movements were recorded, down -6.6% from the 182,911 in the first six months of 2013, because of the runway closure.
Passengers per aircraft movements rose +16.1% in the half to 235, from 202 during the same period last year as airlines, in particular Emirates, used larger aircraft.
The airport is now back to full operations with both runways reopening on 21 July, paving the way for renewed growth towards the end of the year, said Dubai Airports.
During the month London maintained its position as Dubai International’s busiest city destination, followed by Kuwait, Bombay, Doha and Jeddah. By region, the Americas reported strong growth during June with passenger traffic to North America growing +15.3% and South America up +32%.
“The first half numbers are impressive given the capacity reductions we put in place to allow us to conduct vital upgrades to both runways at our hub,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “However, this slight drag on our usual double-digit growth will be short-lived.”
