Passenger traffic at Dubai International up 6% in January

Passenger traffic at the Middle East's busiest hub reached 3,300,907 in January 2009 compared to 3,111,188 in the same period last year.

The story of Dubai International's growth in 2009 amidst the global economic situation and its impact on tourism and travel industry worldwide continues from 2008, a year in which the airport handled 37.44 million passengers, registering a growth of 9% over 2007.

According to Airports Council International's (ACI) figures, Dubai International was the only airport among the top ten airports (by international passengers) to register positive growth during the last quarter of 2008, with year-on-year growth of 10.5% in October, 6.6 in November and 4.8% in December.

Commenting on Dubai International's growth, Dubai Airport CEO, Paul Griffiths said that the airport began the year on a positive note and expressed confidence in the positive outlook for the rest of the year.

"Traffic has grown at a healthy rate throughout most of 2008 and the signs for 2009 remain positive despite the global downturn in traffic. This serves to reinforce Dubai's premier position as the most prolific regional and international hub for both business and leisure traffic. The Middle East continues to lead the world in demonstrating strong growth in aviation activity, despite difficult global economic conditions and Dubai takes the lead as the major contributor to that growth."

By the end of the first quarter this year five new international carriers will have been added to Dubai International's ever-expanding list of airlines. While Wataniya Airways from Kuwait and Mihin Lanka from Sri Lanka have already started their service to Dubai, Kingfisher from India, Air Atlanta from Europe and Kabo Air from Nigeria will launch services within the quarter.

Dubai International is currently served by over 120 airlines flying to over 200 destinations across six continents.