Whopping 20 per cent passenger growth at Dubai International Airport in 2004

A total of 21.7 million passengers passed through the airport last year as compared to 18.06 in 2003. Cargo movement registered a 18.26% growth with total freight movement of 1,111,647 tonnes in 2004 as compared to 939,966 tonnes in 2003.

Aircraft movement has also shown growth of 16.21% with 195,620 movements as compared to 168,511 movements in 2003.

Commenting on the annual statistics, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates, said: "The continuous growth at Dubai International Airport verifies the fact that Dubai is now the business and leisure destination of the region. Over the years the Department of Civil Aviation has continuously stressed on maintaining a very high standard for all the services and facilities provided and this has paid off. We have continuously attracted new airlines and can truly be regarded as a hub with 106 airlines and 160 destinations.

"Despite global events affecting aviation and travel industry worldwide Dubai International Airport has had consistent growth. In 2005, we expect around 25 million passengers. Bearing in mind the general growth of Dubai and specially Emirates airline, according to projections by 2010, the airport will witness passenger throughput of 60 million."

Peak passenger movement was in August with 2.05 million passengers.