Abu Dhabi International Airport has welcomed 5.26 million guests in 2021 thanks to a fourth-quarter surge that saw 2.43 million, which equates to 46 per cent of the full year's passenger numbers.
With restrictions continuing to hamper travel arrangements around the world last year, CEO Shareef Al Hashmi says the sharp rise in passenger numbers during the last three months is a clear indication that the recovery is underway and gaining momentum.
The number of flights in 2021 also showed strong growth, clocking a 21.5 per cent rise from 2020 to reach nearly 74,176.
The airport also significantly expanded its network, serving 103 destinations last year compared to 75 in 2020.
Al Hashmi added they "expect traffic to double... this year to reach 10.7 million as vaccination programmes progress, government restrictions in markets around the world ease and consumer confidence rebounds".
The top five countries in terms of passenger volumes in 2021 were India (932,949), Pakistan (550,728), Egypt (446,883), the United States (254,201) and KSA (244,954).
The busiest destinations being served by AUH included Cairo (372,456), Islamabad (209,280), Delhi (197,012), Lahore (184,315) and Dhaka (182,983).
#AbuDhabi International Airport welcomes 5.26 million visitors in 2021#WamNews https://t.co/NTatdG8hKE pic.twitter.com/AiPMQCQuAB
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) February 16, 2022
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