Dubai International sees steep increase in passengers

Passenger numbers at Dubai International continued their rapid ascent in May as the airport welcomed 6.2 million customers, up 23.2 per cent from the same period last year, according to the monthly traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports.

Passenger numbers rose 23.2 per cent to 6,267,640 compared to the 5,086,910 handled in May 2014 when the airport was reduced to one runway while a billion dollar refurbishment programme was conducted over an 80 day span.

During the first five months of 2015, Dubai International welcomed 32,384,620 passengers, compared to 29,608,364 passengers during the same period last year, an increase of 9.4 per cent.

Eastern Europe continued to be the fastest growing region in May up 85.4 per cent, driven mainly by flydubai’s new services to Slovakia, Bosnia, Bulgaria and Croatia, and Emirates service to Hungary and Transavia airline to Bulgaria.

Other regions that registered high growth rates include the Indian subcontinent (33.8 per cent), GCC (31.1 per cent)  and North America (28 per cent) – where Emirates has increased capacity on many destinations and launched a new route to Chicago.

The number of flights rose dramatically in May to 34,017, an increase of 48.8 per cent from 22,856 recorded during May 2014 due to the effect of the runway closure.

Year to date flight movements reached 167,510, up 12.6 per cent from 148,784 aircraft movements recorded during the same period last year.

“The summer peak is upon us and we are thrilled to have both of our upgraded runways in full operation,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports.

“We expect record traffic levels and have boosted our staff levels, including our May I Help You personnel, to help passengers move as effortlessly as possible through the facility.”