Minister of Economy praises aviation sector

Aviation passenger growth a reflection of UAE investment

Dubai: The increasing number of people travelling through UAE airports is a reflection of the country’s investment in aviation infrastructure, said Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in a statement on Sunday.

Al Mansoori said Dubai International’s recently claiming the title of the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic and the “rapid growth in passenger numbers in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports” signalled the country’s recognition in aviation.

Last month, Dubai International announced 70,475,636 passengers, up 6.1 per cent on the previous year, used the airport in 2014, making it the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic. Dubai International claimed the title from London’s Heathrow Airport.

A total of 20 million passengers used Abu Dhabi International in 2014 while Sharjah International handled 9,516,600 passengers.

Commenting on Dubai’s new title, Angela Gittens, Director General of trade industry body Airports Council International (ACI), said “It is truly remarkable to see the progress that Dubai has made over the years to become the world-class centre of aviation that it is today. Dubai is exemplary of the heights that can be reached when governments fully support aviation and understand its potential to be a powerful driver of social and economic progress.”