UAE aviation sector surpasses 1B passengers in past 10 years, cementing its global leadership position – FCSC

UAE – The aviation sector in the UAE has recorded remarkable growth, with total passenger traffic through the country’s airports surpassing one billion between 2015 and 2024, according to a report by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

Over the same period, aircraft movements exceeded 6.4 million, highlighting the rapid expansion of the nation’s air connectivity.

The report highlights that the UAE ranked first globally in the air transport quality index and was among the world’s top ten in five additional performance indicators.

These achievements reflect the leadership’s forward-looking vision and directives to enhance the sector’s growth and regional and global competitiveness. Aviation has become a cornerstone of the UAE’s sustainable national economy.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), attributed the sector’s success over the past decade to well-executed national strategies led by the government.

He emphasized that the civil aviation sector continues to shape the future, delivering significant milestones that firmly position the UAE on the world’s aviation and travel map.

Data from the Centre shows passenger volume grew from 114.8 million in 2015 to 147.8 million in 2024, including arrivals, departures, and transit travellers.

Traffic growth during this period propelled the total passenger number to exceed one billion, a landmark for any country’s aviation sector.

Aircraft movements also rose to over 800,000 by the end of 2024, with the total flights over the past decade exceeding 6.4 million.

These numbers highlight the UAE’s status as a global aviation hub linking diverse international markets.

Officials point to the UAE’s pioneering role in developing a more efficient and sustainable aviation system that integrates cutting-edge technological innovations with the highest safety and service standards.

This balance of innovation and quality ensures seamless travel experiences and supports the country’s tourism and economic diversification.

The aviation sector’s robust growth has a wider impact, supporting tourism, international trade, and employment. It underpins the UAE’s ambition to remain a leading destination for business and leisure travel.

These developments validate aviation’s critical role in driving national competitiveness and economic prosperity well into the future.

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