15.8 Million Passengers in H1 2025 Despite Regional Turmoil
Abu Dhabi Airports recorded a robust 13.1% increase in passenger traffic in the first half of 2025, reaching over 15.8 million travelers across its five airports. This growth came in spite of regional airspace disruptions triggered by a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which led to widespread rerouting and temporary flight suspensions.
Zayed International Airport Anchors 13.2% YoY Growth
At the center of this performance was Zayed International Airport, which welcomed over 15.5 million passengers—a 13.2% year-on-year increase. This marked an inflection point in the airport’s continued evolution as a global aviation hub. With over 93,858 aircraft movements—up 11.4% from 2024—Zayed has solidified its reputation not just as the UAE’s second-largest airport, but as one of the most operationally resilient in the region. Its ability to absorb geopolitical shocks while scaling passenger and flight volumes speaks to the maturity of its infrastructure and international connectivity. Over 120 global destinations are currently served, and it's swiftly becoming the most connected UAE hub for Indian carriers like IndiGo.
133,533 Flights Logged: Up 9.2% Year-on-Year
Flight activity also climbed, with 133,533 total aircraft movements across Abu Dhabi Airports in H1 2025—a 9.2% rise compared to the same period last year. The uptick is particularly notable given the temporary suspension of flights due to Gulf airspace closures. Despite these challenges, the airport network continued to scale, showcasing its agility and strategic air traffic management.
16 New Routes Signal Strategic Expansion
Abu Dhabi Airports also leaned into expansion during H1 2025, onboarding 16 new destinations across its network. Highlights include:
- China Eastern Airlines with a four-times-weekly Shanghai service, moving to daily in September
- Air Seychelles with six weekly connections
- Fly Cham introducing a new route to Damascus
- IndiGo adding flights to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam
These partnerships reinforced Zayed’s positioning as a central transit node, especially for South Asian markets, making it the UAE’s most connected hub for IndiGo passengers.
Cargo Volumes Reach 344,795 Tonnes
Cargo throughput saw a healthy bump, reaching 344,795 tonnes—a sign of rising trade activity and improved logistics infrastructure. With more robust demand from sectors like e-commerce, pharma, and perishables, Abu Dhabi Airports continue to play a pivotal role in supporting regional supply chains.
Executive Leadership Attributes Growth to Team Efforts
CEO Elena Sorlini highlighted the role of the Abu Dhabi Airports team in delivering 17 consecutive quarters of growth. Her statement praised the “operational agility” and “commitment to aviation excellence” that enabled the organization to not only weather geopolitical instability but expand through it. The sustained performance is also seen as a signal to global investors about the viability of the UAE’s aviation sector.
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