Abu Dhabi Airports reports 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit pax growth in H1 2025

Image: Abu Dhabi Aiports

Abu Dhabi Airports reported its 17th straight quarter of double-digit passenger growth in H1 2025.

From January to June, the operator of the emirate’s five commercial airports handled over 15.8 million passengers, marking a 13.1 per cent increase over the same period in 2024.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) was the primary driver of growth, welcoming 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year.

Flight movements also saw an uptick, with a total of 133,533 flights across the network during H1 2025, a 9.2 per cent rise over the previous year.

AUH alone recorded 93,858 aircraft movements, an 11.4 per cent increase from the 84,286 flights registered in H1 2024.

“The first six months of this year have posed some operational challenges, yet our exceptional mid-year results demonstrate the resilience of our network and the collaborative partnerships that underpin our growth,” said Elena Sorlini, MD and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.

“Consistently delivering positive growth for the past 17 quarters is testament to the dedication and collective effort of the entire Abu Dhabi Airports team,” she added.

Abu Dhabi Airports expands global connectivity

The group also expanded its global connectivity by adding 16 new destinations and welcoming new airline partners.

Key developments include China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai route (set to go daily in September), Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, Fly Cham’s service to Damascus, and IndiGo’s new routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam, cementing AUH as the Indian carrier’s most connected hub in the UAE.

Cargo operations registered strong growth as well. 344,795 tonnes of cargo were handled in H1 2025, supported by strategic infrastructure upgrades.

A key development was a joint venture agreement with JD Property, the infrastructure arm of China’s JD.com, to build a 70,00sqm advanced logistics facility targeting rising east-west e-commerce demand in the GCC and MENA regions.

Other strategic milestones

• Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport, supporting Al Dhafra’s eco-tourism goals.
• AUH receiving the 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction and being named ‘Best Airport at Arrivals Globally’ at the ACI ASQ Awards for the third year running.
• Advancement of MRO capabilities at Al Bateen Executive Airport through a collaboration with Bombardier.
• Signing of an MoU with TAQA Distribution to explore next-generation utility technologies across airport operations.

Abu Dhabi Airports stated it will continue advancing its long-term growth strategy, focusing on expanding international partnerships, upgrading infrastructure, and driving sustainable innovation.