Abu Dhabi airport sees surge in passenger traffic

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) recorded a 29.3 per cent year-over-year increase in passenger traffic in the third quarter of 2023.

More than 5.95 million travellers passed through the airport between July 1 and September 30, while it recorded 37,903 aircraft movements, which is an increase of 21.8 per cent compared to Q3 2022.

Abu Dhabi’s connectivity also expanded significantly, with 119 destinations served from AUH by 24 airlines.

The busiest destinations being served in Q3 2023 included London (238,196 passengers), Mumbai (228,189) Kochi (191,883), Cairo (172,570) and Doha (168,417).

Abu Dhabi Airports also handled 143,979 tonnes of air freight during the same period.

"We are attracting major international airlines to Abu Dhabi, with Air France and SunExpress all scheduled to start this IATA Winter season, and we further welcome British Airways’ recent announcement to return to Abu Dhabi in April 2024. Terminal A brings a host of new capabilities and facilities, and will be key to airline and, consequently, passenger growth," said Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports.

With Terminal A primed to open to the public from November 1, Abu Dhabi Airports have advised passengers and visitors to the airport to double-check which terminal they need to go to.

During the critical transition period from November 1-14, all terminals (Terminals A, 1, 2 & 3) will operate simultaneously. From November 15, all airlines will operate exclusively from Terminal A.