Dubai International Airport emerges as second fastest growing airport in the world

Published May 27th, 2003 - 03:00 GMT

Dubai International Airport has emerged as the second fastest growing airport in the world in terms of international passenger movement, according to the latest statistics released by Airports Council International (ACI).

Dubai International Airport had a 20 percent growth in 2002 and witnessed the second highest growth after Korea Incheon which grew 43 percent. Though Dubai had a 16 million passenger throughput in 2002, ACI has discounted the transit passengers from their international passenger movement figures. The preliminary report on 2002 traffic movement places Dubai as 16th in terms of volume of international passengers with 14.89 million passengers.

In terms of international freight movement as well, Dubai has emerged as number 14 in the world and again the second fastest growing in the world with a 24.9 percent growth in 2002. Overall, Dubai is ranked number 21 in terms of volume of cargo handled.

These results gain particular importance since worldwide traffic results have remained largely unchanged with negative growth in the Americas. Asia Pacific has registered a six percent growth while the Middle East overall has shown a five percent growth. Over 70 million passenger movement was seen in the Middle East and Dubai lays claim to a major share of 22.9 percent in the region with 16 million passengers in 2002.

According to projections, 2003 will witness an 18 million passenger throughput, while by 2010 Dubai will have 30 million passengers. — (menareport.com)