Record year for Abu Dhabi Airport

It is a strong bounce-back from the 3.5% reduction in traffic experienced in 2006 (to 5.3 million passengers, as a result of Gulf Air's route rationalisation after an ownership change), and reflects the rise of Abu Dhabi's own long-haul carrier, Etihad Airways.

Etihad reported passenger traffic growth of 67% year-on-year for the 12 months ended Dec-07, handling 4.6 million passengers, compared to just 2.8 million in 2006. In 2007, Etihad expanded with nine new destinations, increasing its number of average weekly services from 463 per week in Jan-07 to 719 per week in Dec-07.

In 2008, Etihad expects to handle approximately 6 million passengers, an increase of more than 30% on 2007, which bodes well for Abu Dhabi Airport. Key highlights for 2008 will include the launch of Etihad's Beijing service at the end of Mar-08, its first Chinese route, and the airline's move to a new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The third, 5 million passenger-capacity terminal, will almost double the airport's capacity to 12 million passengers. Featuring eight gates, including two A380 compatible, the new terminal will meet the demands of Etihad Airways and foreign airlines until the Midfield Terminal Complex is ready a couple of years later.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company is hosting the first annual Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit on 27-28 February 2008, attracting many high profile speakers, delegates and sponsors. Confirmed speakers include:

Register now!