In the first quarter of 2024, the civil aviation sector in the UAE experienced notable expansion, with an impressive 36.5 million passengers welcomed, as reported by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). It represents a substantial 14.7% rise compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, underscoring the sector's impressive growth trend. The breakdown includes 10,723,639 arrivals, 10,874,232 departures, and 14,944,466 transit passengers.
In the first quarter of 2024, the air cargo sector experienced a substantial 32% increase compared to the corresponding period last year, managing a total of 1.1 million tons of cargo. This volume encompassed 269,526 tons of imports, 119,490 tons of exports, and 714,446 tons of transit goods. Notably, approximately 68% of the total air cargo movement during this period was led by national carriers.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, credited this achievement to the joint endeavours between the authority and its collaborators at federal and local government levels.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi emphasised that these increasing rates indicate the sector's robustness, competitiveness, and potential for ongoing progress. The deliberate expansion into new markets for national carriers, made possible by 189 air transport agreements with countries globally, has played a vital role in nurturing international alliances and advocating for the open skies policy.