ABU Dhabi International Airport handled a record 9.02 million passengers during 2008, according to Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
The aircraft movements at the international airport saw a similar 13.2 per cent hike, rising to 93,163 in 2008 when compared to 82,287 in 2007. Passenger traffic was up 30.2 per cent, from 6.9 million in 2007.
“ADAC is absolutely delighted to have crossed another historic milestone and passed the nine million a year passenger figure,” said ADAC chairman Khalifa Al Mazrouei.
As world wide industry trends show a general slowing of passenger traffic, growth rates for December 2008 reflected a more modest growth pattern but were still extremely positive at a 12.1 per cent increase, he said.
Cargo in the last month of 2008 saw a slight decline over December figures but overall cargo figures, for the full 12 months of 2008, saw a steady 12.2 per cent increase – a total of 353,820 tonnes (arrival and departure cargo only) handled.
“We are grateful for the ever increasing number of passengers who, quite clearly, are looking to Abu Dhabi as an airport of choice in the UAE and region,” he added.
Mazrouei said the expansion plans will take another giant step forward in the next few weeks as Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal 3 look to go fully operational, further boosting the airport passenger capacity to 12 million per year. The facility will be predominantly used by Etihad Airways and its passengers although, in addition to the increased capacity it will offer the airport, the new terminal will also offer a brand new retail and F&B environment.
Earlier in the year the airport received regulatory approval for enhanced low visibility operations. This approval, the first of its kind in the Middle East, allows aircraft to be able to safely manouevered in low visibility conditions.
Under the previous classification (CAT II) and General Civil Aviation Authority regulations, Abu Dhabi International Airport was unable to allow for take off or landings if visibility fell below 200m. With CAT IIIB status, visibility can drop below this level and aircraft can still safely arrive and depart the airport.
The newly operational second runway is planned to be CAT III B approach rated this year putting the airport up among a select number of airports in the world.