DXB passenger traffic surges 12.8 per cent in September

Dubai International, the world’s fourth busiest international aviation hub, recorded double digit growth in passenger numbers in September, according to the monthly traffic report issued today by airport operator Dubai Airports.

Passenger traffic in September surged 12.8 per cent to reach 4,780,394 compared to 4,236,587 recorded during the same month in 2011. The strong performance during the first nine months – seven of which recorded double-digit growth – has boosted the year to date traffic by 13.4 per cent to 42,565,340 compared to 37,547,744 recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Western Europe recorded the largest increase in total passenger numbers* in September (+170,934 passengers), followed by the Indian subcontinent (+96,734), the AGCC (+63,226 passengers), and Africa (+58,104 passengers). Contraction in traffic on Middle Eastern routes continued in September (-7,747) as a result of the ongoing situation in certain parts of the region.

The strongest markets in terms of percentage passenger growth were South America (+106.3 per cent) driven by new Emirates airline’s operations to destinations there, followed by Russia and CIS (+27.7 per cent), Australasia (20.6 per cent ) and North America (+20.1 per cent) as both demand and capacity increased on routes to Dallas, Seattle and Washington that were launched during the year.

Aircraft movements in September increased by 3.9 per cent to 27,909 from 26,860 recorded during the same month in 2011. The year to date movements totalled 253,973, up 6.2 per cent to 239,243 movements between January and September 2011.

Dubai International handled 193,261 tonnes of cargo in September, an increase of 9.1 per cent over 177,128 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2011 and marks the highest monthly increase since October 2010. The year to date freight volumes reached 1,674,997 tonnes compared to 1,615,172 tonnes handled during the corresponding period last year, an increase of 3.7 per cent.

“So far it’s been a very good year for Dubai Airports and we have had a great start to the last quarter with a rush of travellers attending a number of international events such as the recently concluded Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj, the World Energy Forum and the ongoing Eid in Dubai celebrations. With the Emirates airline Dubai Rugby Sevens and Dubai International Film Festival lined up in Dubai’s calendar over the next two months, we expect to see the robust growth continue through the remainder of the year,” Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said.