Passenger Traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport increases by 10.1 per cent in September

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports yesterday released Abu Dhabi International Airport's (AUH) traffic report for the month of September 2013. Over 1.3 million passengers travelled through the airport last month, demonstrating a significant growth of 10.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2012. The report also revealed that the airport registered 12.1 per cent growth in passenger traffic in the first nine months of 2013 compared with the same period last year (Jan-Sept 2012), with 12,249,300 passengers handled this year. Aircraft movement reached 11,379 in September 2013, representing a 13.1 per cent increase, while cargo traffic also grew, marking a 27.6 per cent increase with more than 61,913 tonnes of cargo moved last month. The top five destinations for outbound passengers in September 2013 were Bangkok, London, Doha, Manila, and Sydney. Commenting on the traffic report, Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, "Efforts to attract new airline partners and new routes, alongside strategic investments in infrastructure, will enable Abu Dhabi International Airport to further accommodate the increase in passenger traffic whilst providing them with a wider choice for efficient travel solutions. The capital's airport has established itself as a regional hub for air transport and will continue to firmly hold this position as Abu Dhabi Airports delivers the Midfield Terminal Building in 2017." The Capacity Enhancement Programme currently in progress will enable Abu Dhabi International Airport to accommodate more than 17 million passengers annually, through strategic enhancements to its existing facilities, the most recent of these being the new Arrivals Hall, which opened earlier this year. Travellers are now able to access parking, taxis and limousines just 20 metres away from the customs lounge through a new tunnel connecting the customs area with the new Arrivals Hall. – Emirates News Agency, WAM