Cargo passing through Dubai World Central soared in the first half of the year pushing the city’s new airport higher in the global rankings for the movement of air freight.
Cargo volumes at the Dubai World Central (DWC) hub grew 42 per cent during the first half of this year, pushing Al Maktoum International airport up one place in the world rankings to become the 19th busiest cargo hub.
Freight volumes surged to 443,012 tonnes in the first half of 2015, up from the 311,365 tonnes for the same period last year, Dubai Airports said yesterday, driven by Emirates airline's strategic decision in May last year to relocate all dedicated freighters from Dubai International to the new airport.
However, the number of passengers passing through the airport fell 64 per cent during the same period, to 209,989 from the 578,129 recorded during the same period last year.
Dubai Airports said that the reduction in passengers was due to a surge in volumes created by the temporary relocation of 300 flights per week from Dubai’s current main airport Dubai International while a runway refurbishment programme was carried out.
The temporary relocation was also responsible for a 17 per cent fall in the number of aircraft movements recorded during the period – totalling 20,866 in the first half of 2015, down from 25,184 a year earlier.
"The story is only just beginning for DWC but the early results continue to impress," said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports. "The airport is quickly emerging as an important cargo hub and with the addition of 70 weekly flydubai flights to seven new destinations in October, we expect the airport to soon establish itself as an important gateway to the Middle East."
According to the International Air Transport Association (Iata), demand for air freight among Middle East carriers jumped by more than 18 per cent in May compared to a year earlier, while in Europe it fell 1.3 per cent and in North America it was down 2.9 per cent.
Iata said that the increase was due to network and capacity expansion, which was encouraging air freight to go through Middle Eastern hubs.
lbarnard@thenational.ae
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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Price, base: Dh117,000 (estimate)
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Transmission: Six-speed automatic
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Fuel economy, combined: 3.4L / 100km
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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
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