Passenger traffic at the Abu Dhabi International Airport posted rose 3.9 percent in 2011 to a record-high 12.4 million, the Dubai-based Gulf News newspaper said on Thursday, quoting the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac). “The continuous increase in Abu Dhabi International Airport's passenger traffic shows a true reflection of the growth that the emirate is witnessing in trade, industry and tourism, and illustrates the significant investment and vision by Adac in creating a world class airport,” it quoted Adac Chief Executive Officer James Bennett as saying. The capital's gateway cargo traffic was also on the rise, recording 481,500 tons, an increase of 10 per cent in comparison to 2010,” said Adac. Adac said its ongoing investment in improving the airport facilities and its comprehensive airline marketing strategy have attracted new airlines and encouraged existing airlines to expand their services to Abu Dhabi. “The year 2011 witnessed the joining of leading airline companies to its network such as Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia and Czech Airlines, which increased the airport's reach to new destinations hence expanding further its connectivity,” Adac said. “ The airport enjoyed the addition of eight destinations via new and existing airline partnerships, to include Hong Kong, Prague, Seychelles, Male, Duesseldorf, Bengaluru, Chengdu and Aleppo to its network,” it added. Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, continues to play a key role in the growth of Abu Dhabi International Airport, said Adac. “As a result of Etihad's new aircraft and new destinations served during 2011, scheduled passenger aircraft movements grew 6.2 per cent, totalling 90,281, with Etihad recording 61.4 per cent of the total aircraft traffic,” it added.
