iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
The highly anticipated 321 Festival, which features live entertainment, will take place at two locations from December 6-8
KT APPDOWNLOAD
DIA on Track to Surpass 40m Passenger Target
DUBAI — The Dubai International Airport, or DIA, recorded a fourth consecutive month of year-on-year growth in traffic — 19.5 per cent — as it handled 3.19 million passengers in September compared to 2.70 million in the same month of 2008.
This is the highest monthly increase since October 2007, when the airport achieved a 25.9 per cent growth rate.
The airport also handled 168,334 tonnes of freight in September 2009 compared to 163,836 tonnes, according to a Press statement on Wednesday.
“Dubai International remains the only airport among the top 10 airports worldwide in terms of international passenger to show positive growth in every quarter this year,” said DIA Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths.
With an average monthly throughput of 3.2 million passengers so far this year, and expectations of a sustained growth in traffic during the fourth quarter, the DIA is on track to break the 40 million passenger mark projected for 2009. The year-to-date passenger throughput stood at 30.07 million passengers in September.
“We’re seeing strong growth across all regions,” said Griffiths. “We’ve seen a 35 per cent increase in passengers travelling to and from Asia, a 21 per cent rise in Western Europe and a 20 per cent upsurge in our largest market, the Indian subcontinent. While many airports worldwide continue to see traffic shrink, in Dubai business is good.”
On the other hand, cargo growth remained stable in September, with a modest increase of 2.75 per cent. Year-to-date cargo volumes total 1,366,880 tonnes compared to 1,361,358 tonnes in 2008, a marginal increase of 0.4 per cent.
Griffiths cites the seasonal impact of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and increasing tourist traffic as key factors behind September’s growth.
“It’s clear that even during an economic downturn tourists are finding the allure of Dubai hard to resist,” he said.
More news from
Cheapest-to-deliver cash bond set to be scarce
The momentous occasion will be honoured by the presence of Yusuff Ali, chairman of Lulu Group International, who will inaugurate the store, marking a significant milestone in Meralda’s global growth journey
Dozens take to the streets of Berlin in joy shortly after Iran launches a direct attack on Israel
Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday in his first public comments since his release, Assange said he had 'pleaded guilty to journalism'
Seats are limited, so don't forget to reserve your spot
Having secured around 29% of the vote, FPO would need a coalition partner to govern but the other parties have said they are not interested
GM to deliver message focused on stability over aggressive growth