Abu Dhabi Airports expand reach, serving 15.8 million passengers

Abu Dhabi Airports is reporting strong growth for the first half of 2025, welcoming more than 15.8 million passengers between January and June — a 13.1 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) led the surge, handling 15.5 million travellers, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year.

Overall, the five airports in the network recorded over 133,000 flights, with AUH alone seeing nearly 94,000 aircraft movements — an 11.4 per cent jump from 2024.

The growth was fuelled by expanded connectivity and airline partnerships.

Sixteen new destinations were added, including new routes from China Eastern Airlines, Air Seychelles, and Fly Cham. IndiGo also boosted its network, making Zayed International its most connected hub in the UAE.

Cargo operations also saw strong momentum, with over 344,000 tonnes moved in the first half of the year.

A key development is a new joint venture with JD Property to build a 70,000 square metre high-tech logistics facility, boosting e-commerce trade across the GCC and MENA.

Other milestones include the completion of upgrades at Sir Bani Yas Airport, reinforcing the emirate's push in aviation and eco-tourism infrastructure.