UAE Aviation Sector Achieves 10% Passenger Growth and Record 1.03 Million Flights in 2024

The UAE’s civil aviation sector achieved significant growth in 2024, with passenger traffic surging by 10% to reach 147.8 million, up from 134 million in 2023, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Air cargo also experienced a 17.8% increase, reaching 4.36 million tons compared to 3.7 million tons last year, reinforcing the country’s status as a global air transport hub.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, emphasized the aviation sector’s critical role in supporting the UAE’s economy.

“These figures are a testament to the strength of the UAE’s aviation sector, driven by visionary leadership that has established a competitive and globally trusted industry,”

he stated.

Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation, citing the upcoming ICAO 4th Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025) in Abu Dhabi. The event will also feature the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace, an initiative aimed at advancing low-carbon aviation fuel production.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, noted that strategic investments in infrastructure have positioned the UAE as a leader in air transport services. In 2024, the country recorded 41.6 million inbound passengers, 41.7 million departures, and 64.4 million transit passengers. Workforce expansion also continued, with 9,622 registered pilots and 35,899 cabin crew members.

The UAE now has 36 registered air operators and a total of 929 aircraft, including 520 belonging to national carriers. With air traffic movements reaching a record-breaking 1.03 million flights, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a key global aviation hub.

News Source: Emirates News Agency