Abu dhabi: The civil aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates has recorded significant growth across key performance indicators during the first half of 2025, with passenger traffic, air cargo, and air traffic movements showing strong results that affirm the sector's strength and ongoing development.
According to Emirates News Agency, airports across the UAE welcomed 75.4 million passengers during the first six months of the year, up from 71.7 million passengers during the same period in 2024, representing a 5 percent increase. January recorded the highest number of passengers, exceeding 13.7 million travellers.
UAE national carriers continued their global expansion during the first half of 2025, launching flights to 15 new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The new cities include destinations in Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Croatia, and Ethiopia, further cementing the UAE's status as a leading global aviation hub.
On this occasion, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stated, "Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE continues to enhance its global and regional standing as an international aviation hub, posting unprecedented growth rates driven by innovative national initiatives and strategies."
He added that the performance indicators for the first half of 2025 reflect the resilience and sustainability of the aviation sector, as well as the competitiveness of the UAE's airports, national carriers, and air navigation services. The aviation sector is seen as a bridge connecting the UAE to the world and a key enabler for achieving the country's long-term economic objectives.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, stated that the aviation sector is advancing steadily towards greater growth and prosperity, thanks to the guidance and support of the leadership. He highlighted the strength of the aviation infrastructure and the effectiveness of integrated efforts by all partners, including airports, airlines, and air navigation service providers.
Al Suwaidi added that the total passenger handling capacity of the UAE's airports now exceeds 160 million, and the aviation sector will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the national economy, boosting tourism and trade, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading air transport hub regionally and globally.
In detail, air traffic in the UAE continued its growth during the first half of the current year, recording 531,000 movements, a 6.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, and Bahrain ranked as the top five busiest destinations in terms of weekly flights to and from the UAE.
Regarding air cargo, the total volume handled across the country's airports exceeded 2.2 million tons, marking a 4.74 percent growth compared to the same period last year, with national carriers accounting for 67 percent of the total cargo traffic.