Abu Dhabi Airports Company published the 2012 performance report for Abu Dhabi International Airport, which reflects a significant growth of 18.9% in passenger traffic compared to 2011.
During 2012, the Airport greeted 14,700,420 passengers, marking a record number for the Capital. Gateway cargo traffic also increased, recording 567,965 tons, and representing an increase of 17.9%, in comparison to 2011.
The significant increase of passenger, aircraft and cargo volumes are part of the overall growth that the airport is experiencing. ADAC 's on-going investment towards improving the airport's facilities and its comprehensive airline marketing strategy have attracted new airlines and encouraged existing airlines to expand their services to Abu Dhabi. For example, 2012 witnessed a number of leading airline companies commence new routes from Abu Dhabi, including Air Berlin and Air Seychelles, in partnership with Etihad Airways . In addition, December alone saw three international carriers, Alitalia, Garuda and Hainan Airlines, start new routes through Abu Dhabi, and last year also witnessed the beginning of RAK Airways and Rotana Jet, both local carriers, offering domestic flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport, increasing Abu Dhabi's connectivity with other UAE destinations.
The top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport during 2012 were: Bangkok, London Heathrow, Doha, Manila and Sydney. These destinations collectively generated 20% of the airport's total passenger traffic.
Source: ADAC