Podium finish for Al Bateen as Formula 1 season ends

For private aviation, Al Bateen Executive Airport was a clear winner.

The dedicated business aviation airport of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), witnessed a spur in traffic with 210 total commercial aircraft movements during the F1 race period between 28 October and 5 November, with the 3rd and the 5th November being the peak days.

This growth represents a 38% increase in aircraft movements when compared with the same F1 race period in 2011. The executive airport welcomed aircraft from all over the world carrying VIPs, Formula One drivers and other prominent figures of the international community.

In parallel to this traffic surge, Al Bateen registered a tangible increase in the number of visiting aircraft, which made up 63% of the total aircraft movements at its facility within the race season, and recorded 42% increase compared to the period of 2011 race.

In addition, the airport marked the 4th November, the day of the race, as one of the busiest days for the Al Bateen apron as it registered a 78% increase in number of aircraft on ground compared to last year’s race day, with a total of 32 aircraft either parked or on ground.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, ADAC’s chief operating officer said: “ADAC had an exciting week during the Etihad Airways Formula One Grand Prix, offering its award-winning services to all of the F1 guests at its international airports, and specifically at its dedicated VIP airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, which welcomed the “who’s who” of the Formula 1 crowd. ADAC is glad to always be part of the Abu Dhabi F1 team and jointly celebrate the Emirate’s success during this event”.