Abu Dhabi's turn to post record airport numbers

Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi's international airport reached a record 12.4 million last year.

A record number of more than 12 million passengers passed through Abu Dhabi's international airport last year.

More airlines and routes helped passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International to grow 13.9 per cent on 2010 to 12.4 million last year, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) reported.

"Abu Dhabi is bringing on additional tourism attractions and facilities, which helps drive traffic," said James E. Bennett, the chief executive of ADAC.

"Then of course our partner Etihad [Airways] continues to take delivery of new aircraft and expand its route network and form partnerships with other airlines."

Airline companies that started flying to and from Abu Dhabi last year included Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia, and Czech Airlines.

Eight new destinations were added, including the Seychelles, Prague, Bangalore, and Chengdu.

Cargo traffic increased 10 per cent last year compared to 2010, reaching 481,500 tonnes.