Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023, handling 22.4 million passengers, as reported by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD).
This growth is in line with the anticipated demand and the airport’s expansion strategy. Zayed International Airport, the second-largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently launched Terminal 3 to enhance its capacity and functionality, accommodating the increasing number of passengers.
According to SCAD, annual arrivals through Abu Dhabi’s airports reached over 11.1 million, while departures stood at 11.3 million. The Indian subcontinent topped the list of arrivals by country of origin, with approximately 3.2 million travelers by the end of 2023. Western Europe followed with 1.9 million, Asia with 1.7 million, GCC countries with around 1.6 million, and East Asia with 822,777 travelers.
For departures, the Indian subcontinent led with around 3.5 million travelers, followed by South America with 1.9 million, Asia with 1.7 million, and GCC countries with 1.6 million.
Al Ain International Airport in Abu Dhabi welcomed 51,067 passengers in 2023, with departures at 43,945, 1,763 transiting through the airport, and 1,011 through Zayed International Airport.
SCAD also reported a 27.8% increase in aircraft traffic through Abu Dhabi’s airports in 2023. Zayed International Airport saw flights rise to 141,225 from 110,536 in 2022. Al Ain International Airport logged 8,409 flights in 2023, compared to 7,598 the previous year.
Cargo volume for imported goods was 319,993 tonnes, with Asia accounting for 138,187 tonnes. Exports reached 238,644 tonnes, led by Western Europe with 98,089 tonnes.
Abu Dhabi International Airport, operational since 1982, plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s economic development. The rise in passenger numbers is expected to boost both the airport’s and the region’s economic growth. AUH’s strategy reflects Abu Dhabi’s focus on key sectors like aviation, with the growing tourism sector and significant infrastructural improvements providing a strong foundation for future passenger increases.
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