Abu Dhabi Airports, operator of the emirate’s five commercial airports, has further strengthened its position as a key enabler of economic growth and global connectivity, reporting double-digit passenger traffic growth for an 18th consecutive quarter, while demonstrating continued growth in flights and cargo serviced.
Between July 1 to September 30, 2025, Abu
Dhabi Airports welcomed 8.49 million passengers, a significant 10.1% increase over
figures from the same period in 2024.
Zayed International Airport (AUH), Abu
Dhabi’s flagship gateway, played a pivotal role in the increase, recording 8.35
million passengers through its gates until the end of September, an increase of
10.4% year-on-year.
This rise in passenger traffic was also supported
by 67,035 flights across the five airports during the period, up 6% from the
same period last year.
AUH recorded 49,073 aircraft movements, 5.9%
more Q3 2025 when it recorded 46,327 flights.
Abu Dhabi Airports’ growth strategy
continues to drive results with new connections, including Jazeera Airways’
restoration of services to Abu Dhabi that connect both AUH and Al Ain International
Airport (AAN) with Kuwait.
Since the start of the year, Abu Dhabi
Airports has added three new airlines namely China Eastern Airlines’ daily
services to Shanghai, Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, and Ethiopian
Airlines’ daily service to Adidas Ababa.
The company also added 12 new destinations
to its network including IndiGo’s additional routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar,
and Vishakhapatnam.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The third quarter of this year
has heightened our confidence in our operations. A record 18th quarter of double-digit
growth is a landmark achievement anywhere in the world. However, continually
exceeding our operational expectations, strengthening our resilience through partnerships,
and a collective effort by the entire Abu Dhabi Airports to ensure growth, make
this achievement one to be especially proud of. The aviation experience we
offer is attracting an increasing number of visitors and investors each quarter
to walk through our gates. As a key enabler of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade
prospects, our airports are better positioned than ever to scale the emirate’s
rapid advance.”
Abu Dhabi Airports’ cargo operations also
recorded surging activity, spotlighting the emirate's increasingly important
position in global trade.
Between July and September 2025, over
200,000 tonnes of cargo were handled across the emirate’s five airports. The
figure is up 15.5% over the same period last year and brings total cargo
serviced to of 545,511 tonnes year-to-date.
The third quarter of 2025 was also marked by
several other strategic highlights including crowned Best Airport for Retail at
the 2025 Frontier Awards. AUH was also awarded ACI’s Level 2 Accessibility
Accreditation, and a coveted Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation.
Both accreditations represent significant
milestones that demonstrate the airport’s commitment to delivering world-class
guest experiences.
As Abu Dhabi Airports accelerates its long-term growth strategy, it remains committed to growing its network of global partnerships, as well as advancing sustainable innovation and major infrastructure projects that will continue to catalyse the UAE’s economic diversification and strengthen its global aviation leadership. -TradeArabia News Service