147.8 million passengers through state airports during 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced yesterday that the civil aviation sector in the country recorded a record performance during the year 2024, with the movement of passengers increasing by 10%, to reach about 147.8 million passengers, compared to 134 million passengers in 2023.

Air freight also achieved a remarkable growth of 17.8%, to reach 4.36 million tons compared to 3.7 million tons last year, which enhances the state’s position as a leading global destination in the field of air transport, as these results reflect the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the sector, along with its vital role In linking the world through state airports.

The authority said, in a statement, that the number of arrivals to the country reached 41.6 million passengers, while the number of departures reached 41.7 million passengers, while the number of transit (transit) reached 64.4 million.

The sector witnessed a noticeable increase in the numbers of operating cadres, as the number of pilots reached 9622 pilots registered in the country, while the number of crew members reached 35 thousand and 899 people, along with 4493 engineers, 461 air observers and 419 transmission officials.

With regard to infrastructure, the number of flying operators registered in the country has increased to 36 operators, while the total number of registered aircraft reached 929, including light sports aircraft, including 520 national aircraft.

Air traffic recorded 1.03 million flights during 2024, an unprecedented number in the history of air traffic in the country.

The Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Abdullah bin Touq Al -Marri, said, “These achieved figures are not just growth indicators, but rather are clear evidence of the strength of the aviation sector in the UAE, and its pivotal role in supporting the national economy and enhancing the state’s position as a global transportation center Air, shipping, trade, tourism and investment.

He added: «This progress would not have been achieved had it not been for the vision of our wise leadership, which established the pillars of a strong and competitive airline, he succeeded in gaining great confidence from the international community.

For his part, the Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saif Muhammad Al -Suwaidi, stressed that the positive indicators achieved by the aviation sector in the country during the year 2024 reflects its growing strength and competitiveness, and its position establishes a driving force for economic and social growth, and an essential place for international civil aviation growth.

He said that the investments studied in the infrastructure have enabled the sector to keep pace with global demand, and to provide air transport services that are considered to be the best regionally and internationally, which contributes to stimulating various economic opportunities. He added: “This continuous growth of the sector’s numbers is evidence of the great efficiency and confidence that the Emirati aviation sector has at the international level.”