The UAE’s aviation sector has reached a historic milestone, handling more than one billion passengers between 2015 and 2024, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
In the same period, overall aircraft movements passed 6.4 million, with an annual 2024 total of more than 800,000 flights. Passenger travel increased consistently from 114.8 million for 2015 to 147.8 million in the previous year, including arrivals, departures, and transit passengers.
The UAE also topped the world in the quality of air transport and ranked among the top ten in five other crucial parameters. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism as well as the Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority, attributed the success to national policies adopted in accordance with the vision of the country's leadership.
"These milestones consolidate the UAE's position on the international aviation and travel map and emphasize the sector's role in national economic growth and competitiveness," Al Marri added, and that the nation continues to incorporate technology and sustainability into its aviation system.
The robust decade-long expansion highlights the UAE's position as an international global travel, trade, and tourism hub, complementing its broader economic diversification ambitions.
