Dubai International Airport passenger movement up 27 per cent in the first half while cargo shows 21.7 per cent growth

Total number of passengers registered at 10,413,782 in the first half of 2004 as compared to 8,189,209 last year. Aircraft movement has also shown a healthy growth of 18.5% with a total of 94,795 movements in the six months ending June 2004 as compared with 79,990 movements last year.

April 2004 witnessed the highest movement of passengers with a growth of 45.01 % over the same period last year. The most successful months for Dubai Cargo Village have been January and February with 24.4% and 26.4% growth respectively.

Executive Flight Service handled 2,022 flights in the first six months in 2004 as compared to 1,562 over the same period last year registering a 29.44% growth. Dubai International Hotel continued its success with an average of 106% room occupancy. January, February and March were the busiest months with 114%, 113%, 113% occupancy.

First half sales at Dubai Duty Free have risen to Dhs 849.6 million (US$236 million), representing a 43% increase over the same period last year and placing the airport retailer, which is currently No. 3 in the world, well on track for annual forecast sales of Dhs 1.8 billion (US$500 million).

The new figures reflect a consistent sales pattern which began with record annual turnover of US$380 million for 2003 and continued with a 45% increase in first quarter sales. A breakdown of the first half sales show dramatic increases in the top categories such as Perfumes, which rose by 50%, Gold sales are up by 47% and Electronics sales up by 36%.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, commented: "The first half of 2004 has ended on an extremely positive note for the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai. The statistics speak for themselves. We have also won many prestigious awards and we thank all our customers who continue to support us and recognise our efforts in providing a high standard of service and facility. The economy of UAE and Dubai continues to grow and revenue from tourism sector is contributing enormously to it. As Dubai continues to grow and position itself as the most preferred business and leisure destination, Dubai International Airport continues its preparations to handle 60 million passengers by the year 2010."

This year Dubai International Airport has won four major award - The Business Traveller, Germany and Middle East awards for Best Airport in the Middle East; the AETRA awards for Best Airport Worldwide, Best Airport in the Middle East and Africa and Best Airport in its Size; and the OAG Award for Best Airport in the World. To date, the airport has won 37 awards since 1996.