Page 291 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

8/15/25, 10:21 AM UAE Civil Aviation Sector Records Robust Growth in H1 2025 with Surge in Passengers, Cargo, and Air Traffic – GCC BUSINESS…
UAE national carriers continued their expansion globally, launching 15 new destinations across Europe, Asia,
Africa, and the Middle East. These included routes to Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Croatia, and Ethiopia — further solidifying the UAE’s position as one

of the world’s most connected aviation hubs.

On the occasion, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General
Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), highlighted that the UAE’s achievements are the result of the wise
leadership’s vision and forward-looking strategies.

“The UAE continues to enhance its regional and global standing as an international aviation hub, achieving
unprecedented growth rates supported by innovative national initiatives. The aviation sector has become a vital
pillar of economic diversification, strengthening trade, tourism, investment, and job creation,” Al Marri said.

He stressed that aviation remains a “bridge connecting the UAE to the world” and a cornerstone for achieving
long-term economic objectives. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding air

connectivity through advanced infrastructure, open skies policies, and flexible regulatory frameworks.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, added that the strong performance of the aviation
sector reflects the effectiveness of collaboration among airports, airlines, and air navigation service providers.

“We are proud to maintain stable growth in both passenger and cargo traffic, backed by ambitious infrastructure
projects. With airport capacity now exceeding 160 million passengers annually, we are confident that the

aviation sector will continue to drive the national economy, boost tourism and trade, and reinforce the UAE’s
position as a global aviation hub,” Al Suwaidi said.

In terms of air traffic, the UAE recorded 531,000 movements during the first six months of 2025 — a 6.2 percent
increase from nearly 500,000 movements during the same period in 2024. Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, and

Bahrain ranked among the top five busiest destinations for weekly flights.

Air cargo also registered growth, with the UAE’s airports handling more than 2.2 million tons of freight, a 4.74
percent rise compared to last year. National carriers accounted for 67 percent of total cargo traffic, highlighting
their central role in logistics and trade.

These achievements reaffirm the UAE’s growing influence in the global aviation landscape and highlight its

resilience, competitiveness, and commitment to shaping the future of air travel.

https://gccbusinesswatch.com/news/uae-civil-aviation-sector-records-robust-growth-in-h1-2025-with-surge-in-passengers-cargo-and-air-traffic/ 2/2