UAE Aviation Reaches Historic Milestone: 1 Billion Passengers in a Decade
The UAE aviation sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, with over 1 billion passengers passing through the nation’s airports and more than 6.4 million aircraft movements recorded between 2015 and 2024, according to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
World-Leading Rankings
The UAE ranked first globally in the Air Transport Quality Index and secured positions among the world’s top ten in five additional aviation indicators. Officials emphasized that these achievements reflect the country’s forward-looking strategy to strengthen aviation as a cornerstone of long-term economic sustainability.
Growth Over a Decade
-
Passenger traffic: from 114.8 million in 2015 to 147.8 million in 2024
-
Total over 10 years: more than 1 billion passengers (arrivals, departures, and transit)
-
Aircraft movements: over 800,000 flights in 2024, bringing the decade total to 6.4 million
Strategic Leadership and Innovation
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), credited the success to government-led initiatives that have driven growth, competitiveness, and innovation across the sector.
He highlighted that the UAE’s civil aviation sector not only contributes significantly to national economic growth but also cements the country’s position on the global aviation map.
Building the Future of Aviation
Officials note that these achievements underline the UAE’s pioneering role in sustainable aviation, integrating advanced technologies with the highest standards of safety and service. The sector continues to evolve as a global hub for travel, trade, and connectivity.
With more than 147 million travelers annually, the aviation boom is fueling unprecedented demand for real estate near airports and key business hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Whether you’re considering investments in serviced residences, commercial spaces, or short-term rental apartments catering to transit and business travelers, SPI Dubai will help you capitalize on this momentum. Contact us today to secure high-demand assets in the UAE’s fast-growing aviation-driven economy.
