Page 515 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 2)

10/7/25, 3:37 PM UAE airports welcome 102.9 million passengers in first eight months of 2025, up 5.3 percent
UAE’s aviation system embraces growth

Sheikh Ahmed added that, in Dubai, home to some of the busiest airports in the world, the scale of
operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International reflects the
strength of the UAE’s aviation system and its capacity to embrace future growth. Through continued
investment in innovation and smart infrastructure, the UAE is reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in civil
aviation, enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness, and ensuring the sector’s long-term
sustainability.

“This Civil Aviation Day is particularly meaningful as it coincides with another key milestone for our
aviation sector. The UAE’s re-election to the ICAO Council for a seventh consecutive term demonstrates
the international recognition of our leadership, strategic vision and continued investment in national
talent, infrastructure and global partnerships. We take pride in these achievements and remain committed
to advancing safety, sustainability and innovation across the global aviation industry,” said Abdulla bin
Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the GCAA Board.

UAE airports surpass 1 billion passengers in 10 years

Further celebrating the UAE’s record growth, total passenger traffic through the country’s airports
surpassed one billion between 2015 and 2024, while total aircraft movements exceeded 6.4 million.

According to recent statistics from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, passenger traffic
across UAE airports rose from 114.8 million in 2015 to 147.8 million in 2024. Total passenger numbers,
including arrivals, departures and transit travellers, exceeded one billion between 2015 and 2024.

Aircraft movements also grew, reaching more than 800,000 by the end of 2024, bringing the total
number of arriving and departing flights during the decade to over 6.4 million.

UAE contributes to industry’s international growth

In Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi International Airport continues to deliver a world-class travel experience,
supported by ongoing development projects to expand its capacity, alongside other projects across the
emirate’s airports, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to safety, quality and sustainable growth of the
aviation sector, explained Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and
Transport – Abu Dhabi, and a member of the GCAA Board of Directors.

“Guided by visionary leadership and driven by ambitious strategic plans, the UAE has solidified its
position as a key global player in the civil aviation sector. Today, the UAE stands among the most
prominent contributors to the industry’s international growth,” said Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi,
Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sharjah.

Marking the occasion of UAE Civil Aviation Day, he highlighted the historic landing of the first
passenger aircraft in Sharjah—an event that marked the beginning of the aviation sector in the Emirates.
“This moment laid the foundation for a journey of ambition and achievement that continues to inspire
our commitment to excellence and leadership in the field”, he added.

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