Dubai International Airport registered another record year in 2010 with passenger traffic reaching a historic 47.2 million, up 15.3% compared to 40.9 million the previous year.
The figure was 2.4% more than the 46.1 million originally projected for the year, according to the annual traffic report issued by Dubai Airports.
The December passenger numbers reached 4.2 million, an increase of 11.6% compared to 3.8 million recorded during the same month in 2009. In terms of monthly traffic, the airport crossed the 4 million mark for the third consecutive month in December, and for the fourth time in 2010.
Dubai International also witnessed strong cargo traffic growth following a surge in air freight volumes during the first 3 quarters of the year as the global economy recovered and companies worldwide cleared inventories.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, said: “The key to our success has been our coordinated and supportive approach to aviation. Unlike Europe and elsewhere, Dubai has a model that recognizes aviation’s strategic importance and promotes growth in the sector,' he said.
'It starts with an open skies policy, competitive rates and a tax-free environment that has attracted over 130 airlines to Dubai, in addition to strategic investments in top-flight aviation infrastructure that promote high service standards and sustain rapid growth. Dubai’s geocentric location, which can effectively connect any 2 major cities in the world, will drive further expansion and continued benefits to consumers across the globe,' he explained.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said: 'We surpassed our growth projections, ushered in Dubai’s status as a twin-airport city with the opening of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International in June and celebrated Dubai International’s 50th anniversary.'
'The growth story continues in 2011 with passenger numbers expected to surge another 11% to 52.2 million. As a result, we have plans to boost capacity on the ground and in the air to ensure we can accommodate the growth while improving service across the airport,' he added.