The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) as reported a 21.1% rise in passengers to a record-breaking 5,521,110 in the first quarter of 2015 compared with Q1 2014.

 

According to airport management, aircraft movements increased to 41,585 (+16%) compared with 35,844 in the same quarter last year, while cargo activity also increased to 200,127 tonnes across all three terminals, representing a 9.2% rise on the Q1 2014 performance.

 

ADAC adds that passenger numbers in March 2015 recorded a similar 21.1% increase in passenger numbers compared to March 2014, registering 1,917,939 during the month.

 

Commenting on the traffic report, Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, COO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “With more than five million passengers passing through Abu Dhabi International Airport during the first quarter, the statistics continue to show that Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming a major global transportation hub.

 

 

 

NEW SERVICES BOOST TRAFFIC

“Only last month, we saw Alitalia and South African Airways add daily services between Abu Dhabi and Venice and Johannesburg, while Jet Airways resumed daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Pune, Ahmed Abad and Bangalore.

 

“Abu Dhabi Airports has made great progress in matching the growth in passenger traffic with a carefully implemented programme to expand capacity. During Q1, we opened the newly expanded facilities at Terminal 1 and we continue to push ahead with a broader capacity enhancement programme to ensure that passengers using Abu Dhabi International Airport will always enjoy a world class experience.”

 

ADAC adds that the top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport during March were Bangkok, Manila, London Heathrow, Doha and Jeddah.

 

Earlier this year ADAC also confirmed that it was named ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ at the Skytrax global airports awards for the third consecutive year. The airport proudly reports that it also won the award for Best Staff Service in the Middle East for the second time (previously winning in 2011).

 

 

DFS LOYAL T PROGRAMME ARRIVES

Last, but not least, passengers at Abu Dhabi Airport are now eligible for membership of the DFS LOYAL T programme, where the airport’s duty free retailer offers a variety of customer benefits and privileges, plus points for purchasing selected brands within participating DFS Group outlets (1,000 points qualifies for a $10 discount).

 

The scheme is designed to offer special access, benefits and privileges to its most loyal customers, with a multi-tier programme that connects members with an array of increasing benefits and experiences, and ultimately, access to a range of unique services that are reserved for the highest tier.

 

The tier-based services include personal shopping assistance, concierge, pre-order and pre-sale of new arrivals, transportation services, plus access to prestige lounges worldwide and more.

 

The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) recently opened several new facilities to improve the passenger experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with its ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) aimed at managing the increasing growth in passenger numbers ahead of the opening of the Midfield Terminal in 2017 – click here for more information: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/middle-east/adac-completes-terminal-1-upgrades/74913