Abu Dhabi: Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi Airports has surged to 21.7 million year-to-date, marking a 31.2pc increase compared to 16.5 million passengers during the same period in 2023.

In the third quarter alone, 7.7 million passengers passed through the airports, reflecting a 27pc rise over Q3 last year.

On August 2, Zayed International Airport, the Emirate’s main hub, achieved a new record, facilitating the travel of 92,677 passengers in a single day.

This milestone underscores the airport's role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a major transit and tourism hub in the region, the operator of the Emirate’s five airports, said in a statement.

The operator said an expanded route network spurred the growth in passenger traffic through existing airline partners, the addition of new airlines, including Turkmenistan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, US Bangla, British Airways, Akasa Air, flynas, and Air Samarkand, and the resumption of Aeroflot’s seasonal operations.

The expansion of airlines also reinforces the growth of Zayed International Airport (AUH), recognised as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East in terms of international seat capacity .

-B