Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport surged 20.7 per cent last month compared with the year-earlier period as Etihad Airways seeks to boost its passenger volumes.
A total of 1.88 million passengers travelled through the airport during January compared with 1.56 million a year earlier. The top five routes from the airport were Bangkok, London, Doha, Manila and Jeddah, accounting for 16 per cent of all traffic in January.
Etihad expects to carry nearly 18 million passengers via its network this year, up about 20 per cent from 2014.
It also plans to add 12 passenger aircraft this year and launch eight new routes – Madrid, Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Kolkata, Baku, Tbilisi, Dar es Salaam, and Entebbe.
“Abu Dhabi International’s continued growth demonstrates the strength of Etihad’s expansion plans as its operations aligned with alliance partners brings in further international traffic,” said Saj Ahmad, the chief analyst at StrategicAero Research.
“Having seen a 20 per cent traffic rise in 2014, to amass the same performance in a traditionally quieter start of the year highlights the pull and business allure of Abu Dhabi as it complements Dubai International, cementing the UAE’s position as the global nexus point for connections and travel.”
Aircraft movements at the airport rose 18 per cent to 14,128 over January 2014’s figure of 11,972.
Cargo activity increased 11 per cent to 64,479 tonnes in January.
“The boost in cargo too indicates a stronger move in the freight market as economic activity drives shipments both via sea and air and Abu Dhabi is well placed to tap into regional demand as GCC businesses return to the air cargo market, with lower fuel prices making shipments more viable and cost-effective,” Mr Ahmad added.
Last year Abu Dhabi airport recorded a 20 per cent jump in passenger traffic to 20 million inbound, outbound and transfer passengers, cementing the capital’s status as an emerging global aviation hub.
Etihad reported more than 14 million passengers flying over its network in 2014 as it added routes, flights and a stake in Italy’s Alitalia.
Currently Abu Dhabi Airports, the parent company, is building the new Midfield Terminal Complex, which will help lift capacity to more than 30 million passengers by 2017.
dsaadi@thenational.ae
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