People checking in for flights at Abu Dhbai International Airport, which recorded a 218 per cent jump in passenger numbers in the first quarter of this year. Antonie Robertson / The National
People checking in for flights at Abu Dhbai International Airport, which recorded a 218 per cent jump in passenger numbers in the first quarter of this year. Antonie Robertson / The National
People checking in for flights at Abu Dhbai International Airport, which recorded a 218 per cent jump in passenger numbers in the first quarter of this year. Antonie Robertson / The National
People checking in for flights at Abu Dhbai International Airport, which recorded a 218 per cent jump in passenger numbers in the first quarter of this year. Antonie Robertson / The National

Abu Dhabi airport passenger numbers surge in first quarter on higher demand


Shweta Jain
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi International Airport handled 2.56 million passengers in the first quarter of 2022, a more than four-fold increase from the same period last year due to rebound in demand, as well as new routes and services, Abu Dhabi Airports said on Wednesday.

The surge in passenger numbers came as Covid-related travel restrictions across the globe eased and markets reopened, boosting the appetite for air travel.

The number of flights rose 39 per cent annually to 22,689 in the three-month period, Abu Dhabi’s airport operator said.

“The first quarter continued to build on the momentum we saw in Q4 2021 as travel restrictions eased further, markets reopened and airlines deployed capacity to accommodate the resulting surge in demand,” said Shareef Al Hashmi, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports.

Relaxation of travel restrictions to and from India, reopening of Australia and Singapore and the removal of mandatory PCR testing for passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi contributed to the surge in passenger numbers, he said.

The airport operator expects 10.7 million passengers to pass through the UAE capital’s main airport in 2022, more than double last year’s number.

  • An Etihad plane taking off at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Photo: Etihad
    An Etihad plane taking off at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Photo: Etihad
  • The departures terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which recently marked its 40th anniversary. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
    The departures terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which recently marked its 40th anniversary. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
  • Passengers can take advantage of duty-free shopping at the many shops at the airport. Delores Johnson / The National
    Passengers can take advantage of duty-free shopping at the many shops at the airport. Delores Johnson / The National
  • A worker cleans a window at Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Jaime Puebla / The National
    A worker cleans a window at Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Jaime Puebla / The National
  • Passengers enjoy the airport's decor and ambience. Delores Johnson / The National
    Passengers enjoy the airport's decor and ambience. Delores Johnson / The National
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport was first conceived in 1974. Delores Johnson / The National
    Abu Dhabi International Airport was first conceived in 1974. Delores Johnson / The National
  • An aerial view of the airport. The Mena region’s airline market is the fastest growing in the world. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
    An aerial view of the airport. The Mena region’s airline market is the fastest growing in the world. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
  • An airport employee at the E-border gate, part of the airport's smart travel system. Christopher Pike / The National
    An airport employee at the E-border gate, part of the airport's smart travel system. Christopher Pike / The National
  • Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Alamy
    Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Alamy
  • A luxurious VIP terminal is to open at Abu Dhabi International Airport at the end of the year. Silvia Razgova / The National
    A luxurious VIP terminal is to open at Abu Dhabi International Airport at the end of the year. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport has gone from strength to strength since opening on January 2, 1982. Victor Besa / The National
    Abu Dhabi International Airport has gone from strength to strength since opening on January 2, 1982. Victor Besa / The National

The emirate is bullish about the outlook for air passenger demand this year due to the UAE’s rapid Covid-19 vaccination programme and the easing of travel curbs around the world.

With multibillion-dollar investment in attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim, which is set to be completed by 2025, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a leading tourist destination.

The capital has taken measures such as reducing business licence fees to bolster its tourism sector during the pandemic as it seeks to diversify its economy.

India drove the most of the air passenger volume to Abu Dhabi in the first quarter, with 515,927 people, followed by Pakistan (253,874), the UK (170,620), Saudi Arabia (137,582) and Egypt (127,009), the airport operator said.

The expansion of operations by Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the launch of 10 new routes, as well as the introduction of the new Go First and Pegasus Airlines, added impetus to the growth at Abu Dhabi International during the January to March period.

Etihad Airways was among the groups that added impetus to growth at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
Etihad Airways was among the groups that added impetus to growth at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports

Etihad Airways, a major contributor to Abu Dhabi airport’s growth, was also bullish about continued passenger demand growth this year and plans to expand its route network and workforce to meet the anticipated market recovery, the airline said in March.

Load factors doubled with the average reaching 70 per cent during the quarter compared with 35 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, Abu Dhabi Airports said.

The airport now offers flights to 99 destinations on 26 airlines compared to 81 destinations on 18 carriers during the first quarter of 2021.

Abu Dhabi International also handled 144,114 tonnes of cargo during the first quarter, down 15.7 per cent compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the increase of cargo capacity to support passenger operations, Abu Dhabi Airports said.

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HEADLINE HERE
  • I would recommend writing out the text in the body 
  • And then copy into this box
  • It can be as long as you link
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  • Be wary of other embeds lengthy fact boxes could crash into 
  • That's about it
While you're here ...

Damien McElroy: What happens to Brexit?

Con Coughlin: Could the virus break the EU?

Andrea Matteo Fontana: Europe to emerge stronger

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

The Lowdown

Us

Director: Jordan Peele

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss

Rating: 4/5

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Mia Man’s tips for fermentation

- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut

- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.

- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.

- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.

 

THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%2060kW%20lithium-ion%20phosphate%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20Up%20to%20201bhp%3Cbr%3E0%20to%20100kph%3A%207.3%20seconds%3Cbr%3ERange%3A%20418km%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh149%2C900%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday Benevento v Atalanta (2pm), Genoa v Bologna (5pm), AC Milan v Torino (7.45pm)

Sunday Roma v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Udinese v Napoli, Hellas Verona v Crotone, Parma v Lazio (2pm), Fiorentina v Cagliari (9pm), Juventus v Sassuolo (11.45pm)

Monday Spezia v Sampdoria (11.45pm)

UAE players with central contracts

Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.

What's in the deal?

Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024

India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.

India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.

Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery

No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

The%20Boy%20and%20the%20Heron
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayao%20Miyazaki%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Soma%20Santoki%2C%20Masaki%20Suda%2C%20Ko%20Shibasaki%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Coffee: black death or elixir of life?

It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?

Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.

The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.

Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. 

The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.

But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.

Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.

It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.

So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.

Rory Reynolds

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Starfield
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Updated: May 11, 2022, 3:40 PM