(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)It is on track to surpass projected 79m mark in 15
In 2014 Dubai International became the world’s busiest airport for international traffic with 70.476 million passengers. — Reuters
Dubai — Passenger numbers at Dubai International recorded 23.2 per cent jump to 6.2 million in May compared to the same 2014 period to put the world’s busiest airport for international traffic on track to surpass the projected 79 million mark in 2015.
In 2014 Dubai International became the world’s busiest airport for international traffic with 70.476 million passengers passing through the airport.
Monthly traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports on Thursday showed that passenger numbers rose 23.2 per cent to 6.268 million compared to the 5.087 million handled in May 2014 when the airport was reduced to one runway for a $1 billion refurbishment programme lasting 80 days.
During the first five months of 2015 the airport welcomed 32.385 million passengers compared to 29.608 million during the same 2014 period an increase of 9.4 per cent.
In terms of total passenger numbers the Indian subcontinent outperformed the rest of the regions
( up 372587 passengers) followed by the GCC (up 248919 passengers) and Western Europe
(up172830).
In 2014 India remained Dubai International’s leading destination during the year with 8.908 million passengers growing 6.0 per cent year on year from 8.401 million passengers in 2013.
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 also rose in May to 34017 an increase of 48.8 per cent from 22856 recorded during May 2014 due to the effect of the runway closure. Year to date flight movements reached 167510 up 12.6 per cent from 148784 aircraft movements recorded during the same period last year.
Freight volumes rose 15.5 per cent in May to 216712 tonnes compared to 187688 tonnes in May 2014 as volumes were impacted by the runway programme. During the first five months of 2015 Dubai International has handled cargo totalled 1015482 tonnes of freight down 1.0 percent from 1025526 tonnes handled 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 CEO 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.
We have also launched “Hang Out at DXB” which is a fun way to encourage passengers to arrive to the airport early to support on time operations and enjoy the wide array of dining shopping and relaxation options we have on offer.”
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