Page 127 - SHARJAH AIRPORT PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2023

12/19/23, 10:12 AM UAE soars to the top, dominates regional aviation sector
winning hub anticipates welcoming over 20 million passengers in the coming years, serving as a
crucial departure, arrival, and transit point for domestic and international journeys.

Expansion of the second largest airport

To keep pace with its ever-burgeoning air traffic, Dubai is gearing up for a colossal expansion of
its second-largest airport, Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central. The
ambitious project aims to transform the airport into a global aviation powerhouse, capable of
handling a staggering 120 million passengers in just six to eight years. Paul Griffiths, CEO of
Dubai Airports, boldly projects that the airport’s ultimate potential could reach 240 million
passengers annually, solidifying its position as a premier aviation hub on the world stage.

Best international airport in terms of passenger

numbers

In terms of the number of foreign passengers, Dubai International Airport (DIA) topped the list
of most international airports for the eighth year in a row. In this regard, Dubai Airports CEO
Paul Griffiths noted: “We are obviously quite thrilled to top the list of the world’s busiest

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