Abu Dhabi Airports Sees Significant Growth in Passenger Traffic and Cargo Operations Through First Half of 2025
Tags: #BusinessNews, #RealEstateNews, #UAE
Abu Dhabi Airports has achieved remarkable growth in passenger traffic, marking its 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit increases as it reports substantial numbers for the first half of 2025. This performance underscores the emirate’s escalating role as a pivotal hub in both international travel and global trade.
From January 1 to June 30, 2025, the airports within Abu Dhabi’s network welcomed a staggering 15.8 million passengers. This figure represents an impressive 13.1 percent increase when compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting a robust recovery in travel demand that aligns with the broader global resurgence of the aviation sector.
A significant driver behind this growth is Zayed International Airport (AUH), the main airport serving Abu Dhabi. The airport alone accommodated approximately 15.5 million passengers during the first half of the year, reflecting a notable year-on-year increase of 13.2 percent. This upward trend in passenger traffic was further complemented by an increase in flight activity, with a total of 133,533 aircraft movements registered across the five airports within the network, amounting to a 9.2 percent rise from the previous year. AUH specifically saw 93,858 aircraft movements, a substantial increase of 11.4 percent over the same period last year, when 84,286 flights were recorded.
The expansion in passenger numbers is coupled with an enhancement in connectivity, as Abu Dhabi Airports added 16 new destinations to its network in the first half of 2025. The introduction of new airline partners has been particularly noteworthy. Among the most prominent additions is China Eastern Airlines, which launched a four-times-weekly service to Shanghai, with plans for daily flights starting in September. Other new routes include Air Seychelles servicing six times per week and Fly Cham commencing operations to Damascus. Furthermore, the Indian airline IndiGo has significantly bolstered its presence at AUH, establishing new routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam. This expansion solidifies AUH’s status as IndiGo’s most connected hub in the UAE, positioning it as a vital player in facilitating travel between the Middle East and South Asia.
Elena Sorlini, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, acknowledged the operational challenges faced during the first half of the year. Nevertheless, she emphasized the resilience of their network and the critical importance of collaborative partnerships in driving growth. “As Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade prospects rapidly advance, our airports are well positioned to support and scale that growth,” stated Sorlini, articulating confidence in the airport’s ability to adapt and thrive.
The growth trajectory extends beyond passenger travel, as Abu Dhabi Airports reported noteworthy advancements in cargo operations, further highlighting the emirate’s increasing relevance in global trade dynamics. In the first half of 2025, the airports processed an impressive 344,795 tonnes of cargo, revealing the emirate’s strategic importance as a logistics hub. This growth was enabled by various strategic partnerships and ongoing enhancements to airport infrastructure, which are essential for meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Abu Dhabi’s airport infrastructure continues to evolve, utilizing technological advancements and infrastructural investments to enhance passenger experience while optimizing operational efficiency. This includes implementing state-of-the-art baggage handling systems, advanced security protocols, and digital solutions designed to expedite the travel process.
As the tourism and trade sectors in Abu Dhabi continue their upward momentum, the vital role played by Abu Dhabi Airports cannot be overstated. As the emirate strives to diversify its economy and bolster its position as a regional and international powerhouse, the sustained growth in passenger and cargo traffic reflects a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation in the face of global challenges.
In summary, Abu Dhabi Airports’ impressive performance in the first half of 2025 illustrates not only the recovery of the aviation sector post-pandemic but also the emirate’s strategic ambitions in cementing its status as a key global transport and logistics hub. Through continued commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation, Abu Dhabi is not just welcoming passengers to its airports; it is also welcoming a new era of economic opportunity and connectivity.