More than nine million passengers through Abu Dhabi in 2008

With passenger traffic up 30.2%, from 6.9m in 2007, Abu Dhabi International Airport closed the year on a high having reached the target milestone which adds to the continuing and historic growth and development the airport is undergoing.

As world-wide industry trends show a general slowing of passenger traffic, growth rates for December reflected a more modest growth pattern but were still extremely positive at an industry-busting 12.1% increase.

Cargo in the last month of 2008 saw a slight decline over December figures last year but overall cargo figures, for the full 12 months, saw a steady 12.2% increase - a total of 353,820 tonnes (arrival and departure cargo only) handled.

Aircraft movements at Abu Dhabi International Airport saw a similar 13.2% increase up to 93,163 (2008) over 82,287 (2007).

"ADAC is absolutely delighted to have crossed another historic milestone and passed the nine million a year passenger figure," said HE Khalifa Al Mazrouei, ADAC Chairman.

"We are grateful for the ever increasing number of passengers who, quite clearly, are looking to Abu Dhabi as an airport of choice in the UAE and region. In achieving this milestone Etihad Airways, the National Carrier of the UAE, must be recognised for the commitment the airline is making to increasing connectivity and frequencies to and from the UAE capital. In addition I would like to thank the increasing number of partner airlines that are continuing to choose Abu Dhabi as a regional and international hub together with our longstanding customer airlines, particularly those who have increased their services to Abu Dhabi and have been improving their connectivity."

"Of course, our success is also testament to the hard work that all our staff and the related agencies at the airport put in on a daily basis - especially when you consider that the airport continues to undergo rapid year-on-year expansion,"

added Al Mazrouei.

The expansion plans will take another giant step forward in the next few weeks as Abu Dhabi International Airport's new Terminal 3 look to go fully operational, further boosting the airport passenger capacity to 12 million per year.

The best-in-class facility will be predominantly used by Etihad Airways and its passengers although, in addition to the increased capacity it will offer the airport, the new terminal will also offer a brand new retail and F&B environment.

In other airport data released by ADAC today the top five most popular city destinations travelled to, from Abu Dhabi, in December 2008 were announced as: Doha (first), London, Cairo, Bangkok and Bahrain.