UAE Air Traffic Growth Surges 6.2% in H1 as Passenger Traffic Reaches 75.4 Million
The UAE's civil aviation sector recorded robust growth in the first half of 2025, with significant increases in passenger traffic and cargo activity.
RIYADH: The UAE's civil aviation sector posted impressive growth in the first half of 2025, marked by a 6.2% increase in air traffic movements to 531,000 operations, compared to nearly 500,000 in the same period of 2024.
This robust performance reflects a broader global rebound in aviation as Middle Eastern carriers capitalize on their strategic location to capture long-haul transit traffic between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.The nation's airports handled more than 13.7 million travelers in January, making it the busiest month of the period.
Air traffic growth is supported by the expansion of UAE-based airlines, which have introduced 15 new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.Cargo volumes also saw a notable increase, surging 4.74% to over 2.2 million tonnes in H1.
National carriers accounted for 67% of total freight, highlighting the UAE's dominance in regional logistics.
The expansion of air connectivity is part of the UAE's strategy to enhance its international and regional aviation standing.Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri, minister of economy and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized that this growth reflects the successful implementation of national strategies designed to bolster the sector's competitiveness and leadership in economic development, trade, tourism, investment, and job creation.
He added that the UAE will continue to reinforce its position as an aviation hub through advanced legislation, open-market policies, and infrastructure development.Saif Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, expressed pride in the sector's strong growth trajectory, citing the robust infrastructure and unified efforts of all partners involved.
The UAE's airports now have a combined capacity exceeding 160 million passengers annually, with ongoing ambitious development projects aimed at supporting this expansion.The introduction of new routes to cities such as Russia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Cambodia underscores the UAE's commitment to strengthening its global aviation network and maintaining its status as a key regional and international air transport hub.
This robust performance reflects a broader global rebound in aviation as Middle Eastern carriers capitalize on their strategic location to capture long-haul transit traffic between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.The nation's airports handled more than 13.7 million travelers in January, making it the busiest month of the period.
Air traffic growth is supported by the expansion of UAE-based airlines, which have introduced 15 new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.Cargo volumes also saw a notable increase, surging 4.74% to over 2.2 million tonnes in H1.
National carriers accounted for 67% of total freight, highlighting the UAE's dominance in regional logistics.
The expansion of air connectivity is part of the UAE's strategy to enhance its international and regional aviation standing.Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri, minister of economy and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized that this growth reflects the successful implementation of national strategies designed to bolster the sector's competitiveness and leadership in economic development, trade, tourism, investment, and job creation.
He added that the UAE will continue to reinforce its position as an aviation hub through advanced legislation, open-market policies, and infrastructure development.Saif Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, expressed pride in the sector's strong growth trajectory, citing the robust infrastructure and unified efforts of all partners involved.
The UAE's airports now have a combined capacity exceeding 160 million passengers annually, with ongoing ambitious development projects aimed at supporting this expansion.The introduction of new routes to cities such as Russia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Cambodia underscores the UAE's commitment to strengthening its global aviation network and maintaining its status as a key regional and international air transport hub.
