UAE Airports Achieve Historic 1 Billion Passenger Milestone

The UAE’s aviation sector has achieved a landmark milestone, with total passenger traffic surpassing one billion between 2015 and 2024. Aircraft movements during the same period exceeded 6.4 million, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
The report highlights the UAE’s leading position in global aviation:
- Ranked first worldwide in the air transport quality index
- Among the top ten globally in five additional aviation performance indicators
- Demonstrates strategic growth and competitiveness in the regional and global market
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), credited national strategies and leadership directives for the sector’s success. He emphasized that UAE aviation continues to drive economic growth while adopting technological innovations and maintaining high safety and service standards.
Key Data from 2015 to 2024:
| Metric | 2015 | 2024 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Traffic | 114.8 million | 147.8 million | +33 million |
| Aircraft Movements | 645,000 | 800,000 | +155,000 |
| Total Passengers (Arrivals, Departures, Transit) | – | Over 1 billion | – |
| Total Flights | – | Over 6.4 million | – |
The UAE’s civil aviation model integrates efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. These achievements reinforce the country’s position as a global aviation hub and highlight its pivotal role in the national economy.




