Dubai airports expect 2010 to bring passenger growth

DUBAI – Dubai Airports issued its updated traffic forecast for Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC-AMI) this week, projecting a 13.6 percent international

DUBAI – Dubai Airports issued its updated traffic forecast for Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC-AMI) this week, projecting a 13.6 percent international passenger traffic growth in 2010. According to the Emirate’s airport operator, total passenger traffic is expected to reach 40.5 million by the end of 2009 and top 46 million in 2010.

Dubai Airports’ chief executive officer Paul Griffiths said the growth would be driven by improving economic conditions, state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong expansion by Emirates Airline and emerging low-cost carrier, Flydubai.

Another factor will be an open sky policy that promotes market access to other international airlines, he said, adding that Dubai’s location and advancements in aircraft technology would also be key contributing factors.

“The first phase of DWC-AMI is expected to stimulate traffic when it opens in June 2010,” said Dubai Airports, adding that an estimated one million passengers are anticipated to pass through the new airport during the abbreviated operational period in 2010.

DWC-AMI will eventually become the world’s largest airport handling 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year.

Griffiths said aviation is big business in Dubai accounting for at least 25 percent of Dubai’s Gross Domestic Product.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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