Passenger traffic at Dubai International crosses 9.5 million in Q1

This makes Dubai International the only airport among the world's top ten busiest airports in terms of international passenger volumes, to show positive growth both in the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.

Commenting on the results of the first quarter, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said that considering the global economic situation and the double-digit drop in passenger traffic worldwide, it was very positive.

"The results reaffirm Dubai's position in the region, not only as the regional centre for tourism and business but also as an important aviation hub, connecting the East and the West. I am hopeful that Dubai International will grow steadily over the remainder of the year despite the global economic downturn, and any recovery in the situation will only add to that growth,"

he said.

The airport handled a total of 9,529,550 passengers from January to March this year, as compared to 9,341,270 in the first quarter of 2008. January was the busiest month with 3.3 million passengers, a year-on-year increase of 6%.

Cargo also increased marginally during the first quarter. The total freight handled between January and March this year reached 425,172 tonnes as compared to 423,291 tonnes in the first quarter of 2008.

March was the busiest month for cargo with over 159,301 tonnes cargo, up nearly 3.5% over the corresponding period in 2008.