The UAE’s aviation sector has surpassed a major milestone, with more than one billion passengers passing through the country’s airports between 2015 and 2024, according to new figures.
Data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre also shows that total aircraft movements exceeded 6.4 million over the same period, underlining the scale of growth in one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
The UAE ranked first globally in the air transport quality index and placed in the top ten worldwide across five other indicators, reflecting what officials described as a forward-looking national strategy to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said the achievements highlighted the success of government-led initiatives. “These outcomes reinforce the UAE’s standing on the global aviation and travel map, underlining the sector’s active role in driving national economic growth,” he said.
Passenger traffic at UAE airports rose from 114.8 million in 2015 to 147.8 million in 2024, while total passenger numbers — including arrivals, departures and transit travellers — surpassed one billion over the decade.
Aircraft movements also expanded, with more than 800,000 recorded in 2024 alone, bringing the ten-year total to over 6.4 million flights.
Officials say the country’s approach, combining investment in infrastructure and technology with high safety and service standards, has established a model for building a sustainable and globally competitive aviation system.
