Passenger numbers at Dubai International continued an upward trend in May with the airport welcoming 6.7 million customers, according to the monthly traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports today.
In May 2016 passenger numbers at DXB rose 7.2 per cent to 6,721,995 compared to 6,267,640 in May 2015. During the first five months of 2016, DXB welcomed 34,648,953 passengers which represents a year on year growth of 7 per cent compared to 32,384,620 passengers during the same period last year.
Eastern Europe was the fastest growing region in May rising 16.6 per cent, followed closely by the GCC region registering year on year growth of 16.3 per cent – propelled mainly by a surge in contribution from destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh and Doha, while Asia grew 10 per cent. In terms of total passenger numbers, India topped all countries with a total of 989,680 passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (549,091), the UK (435,251), and Pakistan (327,178) while the top cities for passenger traffic were London (280,945), Doha (243,845) and Mumbai (214,061).
During the month aircraft movements totalled 34,284, up 0.6 per cent compared to 34,086 recorded during May 2015*. Year to date flight numbers reached 175,071 compared to 167,654 aircraft movements recorded during the same period last year, an increase of 4.4 per cent.
Freight volumes at DXB continued to grow steadily in May reaching 226,916 tonnes compared to 216,712 tonnes in May 2015, and increase of 4.7 per cent. During the first five months of 2016 cargo volumes handled at DXB totalled 1,055,850 tonnes, up 4 per cent compared to 1,015,482 tonnes handled during the same period last year.
“With near record numbers expected in the coming weeks as a result of the seasonal travel peak, we are looking at solid growth for the first half of 2016,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “Our focus is on maintaining and enhancing service levels, despite the high volumes. As is the case every year, we are prepared with additional staff at all touchpoints, including our May I Help You personnel, to assist and guide passengers. We have also launched the Hangout@DXB campaign to inform, entertain and surprise passengers. The idea is to encourage passengers flying out on holidays to arrive early to the airport to ensure a smooth start to their journey while making the most of the wide array of dining, shopping and relaxation options we have on offer at DXB.”
Dubai Airports has also issued summer travel tips to support passenger convenience during the travel peak.
