Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport increased by 18.9% in 2012

During 2012, the Airport greeted 14,700,420 passengers, marking a record number for the Capital. Gateway cargo traffic also increased, recording 567,965 tonnes, and representing an increase of 17.9%, in comparison to 2011. 

Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operating officer of ADAC commented: “2012 was a record year for Abu Dhabi International Airport with December registering 1,317,680 million passengers passing through, a 14.8% increase over December of last year, and marking the busiest month on record. 2012 also witnessed the signing of the construction contract for the MTB, a key milestone for the company and Abu Dhabi in delivering a state of the art infrastructure that will cater to more than 30 million passengers by 2017.”

Al Haddabi continued: “The annual double digit growth that Abu Dhabi International Airport has been recording in the past decade is directly impacted by the aggressive expansion plans of the hub carrier, Etihad Airways, and the increase in the number of partnerships with international carriers, supported by ADAC’s commitment to providing passengers with consistent world-class service. 2013 will be another record year for the Capital’s Airport, as ADAC strives in its commitment to continuously move forward and develop new services, facilitate new routes, and ensure that Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as the Middle East’s gateway to the rest of the world.” 

The top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport during 2012 were: Bangkok, London Heathrow, Doha, Manila and Sydney. These destinations collectively generated 20% of the airport’s total passenger traffic. 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “In keeping with the growth theme seen across the UAE and in particular that of Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport has built on growth seen via Etihad Airways as well as the growth in traffic through the UAE capital thanks to new airlines operating there. 

“With almost 19% growth year on year, Abu Dhabi International Airport will leverage the strength of its capital status as well as that of Etihad's growth to supplement further passenger traffic increases this year and with more consumer choice to fly to and through the UAE, complemented with Dubai, the airport is investing in heavily to cater for that eventual demand too.”

Ahmad added: “The gearing for that is of course Etihad's expansion, however, with the slew of codeshares that the airline has formulated over the years, it is likely that occupancy from new airlines will continue to push numbers higher for the airport.”