Abu Dhabi passengers up 18%

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) today announced it had welcomed 1.143 million passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport during the month of January, recording an 18% jump over last year's figure, with 9,874 aircraft movements registered in the first month of the year.

The traffic report for the month of January 2012 released by ADAC today showed that cargo shipment was also on the rise as it increased by 11% in comparison with the same period last year, with the airport handling 39,098 tonnes of cargo.

Eng. Ahmed Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer at ADAC commented: "Abu Dhabi International Airport is welcoming 2012 with a strong start as it builds on the growth trend registered throughout 2011.

“This positive momentum is supported by the success enjoyed by the airline companies operating at the capital's airport, including the National Carrier, Etihad Airways, and the joining of Airberlin, the second largest operator in Germany, to add a new destination to the airport's network as of January 2012.

“This growth is also a reflection of the growing interest in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a leisure and business destination. We look forward to another successful year as we continue to develop our services and attract new airlines and link to new destinations at the airport."

Doha, London, Bangkok, Manila and Sydney took the lead as the top five routes during January 2012.

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