UAE Aviation Sector Records Exceptional Growth in Q1 2024

The UAE aviation sector records exceptional growth in Q1 2024

The UAE aviation sector recorded exceptional growth in Q1 2024 welcoming 36.5 million passengers. According to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), there has been an increase of 14.7% compared to the same period in 2023. The growth in passenger traffic further strengthens UAE’s position as a leading destination for business, travel, and hospitality. This was evident from the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 event which received a record 33,000 visitors from more than 160 countries. It is also worth noting that Dubai has become the preferred choice for digital nomads surpassing Lisbon. 

As per the GCAA data, the UAE received 10,723,639 arrivals, 10,874,232 departures, and 14,944,466 passengers that transited through the country. Likewise, the air cargo sector recorded a strong growth of 32% in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period last year. During Q1 2024, a total of 1.1 million tons of air cargo was handled. This included 119,490 tons of exports, 269,526 tons of imports, and 714,446 tons of transit goods. More importantly, UAE’s aviation sector growth was led by the national airlines which contributed an approximate share of 68% towards the air cargo movement. 


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According to the Director-General of GCAA, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the exceptional growth of UAE’s aviation sector in Q1 2024 is attributed to the joint efforts of GCAA as well as its partners at the local and federal government levels. Commenting on this further, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi said that the increase in passenger and cargo traffic indicates the aviation sector’s competitiveness, and readiness as well as the potential for advancement. 

The aviation sector is likely to grow further on account of strategic partnerships, the promotion of the open skies policy, and 189 air transport agreements with countries globally. This will enable UAE’s national carriers to expand into new markets.



Author: Waqas Siddiqui
I am passionate about supporting businesses in successfully expanding in the UAE and Gulf region. I can be reached at waqas@researchkonnection.com for research inquiries.