Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's aviation sector continued its rapid growth in 2024, seeing increases in revenue, passenger numbers and destinations - and the industry is expected to continue to fly high with several major deals and routes on the horizon for 2025.
According to recent data from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), passenger traffic increased by 10% in 2024 to reach 147.8 million from 134 million in 2023. The aviation sector's workforce increased to more than 9,600 pilots and 36,000 cabin crew.
The growth was propelled by the rise of Abu Dhabi as an aviation hub, with Zayed International Airport (AUH) introducing 29 new routes last year. Abu Dhabi Airports reported a 28% increase in traffic, handling 29.4 million passengers in 2024 compared to 22.9 million in 2023.
"2024 was a highly successful year for Abu Dhabi Airports, marked by record-breaking passenger traffic, significant cargo growth, and the successful completion of key infrastructure projects," Elena Sorlini, MD and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said.
The positive trajectory is indicative of the bullish sentiment towards aviation across the wider region. A recent report released ahead of two industry events, MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME), to be held in Dubai, projected the region's market to grow from $34.4 billion in 2025 to $44.7 billion by 2030.
It said this drive would mostly come from increased passenger demand and modernisation efforts.
In the UAE, the sector is already experiencing a period of sophistication and diversification – with growth in high-tech manufacturing.
Last year, Sanad, owned by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala, signed a landmark Dh1.5bn engine sale with Etihad Airways, covering 16 engines for Boeing 787, Airbus A380, A350 and A320 aircraft.
Meanwhile, the latest developments in infrastructure saw Dubai start construction on the world's largest airport terminal, which will cost $35 billion and have 400 gates and five parallel runways.
Also on the list of construction projects is a new terminal at Sharjah International Airport, expected to be completed in 2026.
May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, which organises the annual AirportShow, said: "The Middle East has remained one of the world's fastest-growing hubs for the civil aviation industry, given its unwavering commitment to airport and airline developments and being at the new global travel crossroads.
"Regional airports have remained leading adaptors of new technologies, given their unwavering commitment to airport and airline developments and being at the new global travel crossroads."
The strong growth is underpinned by a consistently growing tourism sector, which saw international overnight visitors in Dubai increase by 9% in 2024.
It was also supported by the UAE's growing position as a logistics hub, with Abu Dhabi Airports handling 678,990 tonnes in 2024 - a 21% increase from 560,434 tonnes in 2023.
