Abu Dhabi Airports has reported a strong first half of 2025, handling over 15.8 million passengers from January to June, a 13.1% increase compared to the same period last year. At the center of this growth is Zayed International Airport (AUH), which welcomed 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2% year-on-year. AUH also led in aircraft movements, recording 93,858 flights, a notable 11.4% increase over H1 2024.
What’s Driving the Surge?
The rising numbers are part of a broader trend across Abu Dhabi’s five airports, which together managed 133,533 flights in the first half of the year, a 9.2% rise from last year. The airport group’s expansion strategy is working, with 16 new global destinations and new airline partners introduced in the first six months.
Key additions to the route map include:
China Eastern Airlines’ four-times-weekly service to Shanghai (moving to daily in September)
Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights
Fly Cham’s new route to Damascus
IndiGo, which has boosted AUH’s status as its most connected UAE hub with routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam
Cargo operations also saw impressive growth. Abu Dhabi Airports handled 344,795 tonnes of cargo in H1 2025, supported by major infrastructure developments and global partnerships. Notably, a joint venture with JD Property, the logistics arm of China’s JD.com, will deliver a 70,000 sqm high-tech cargo facility to meet growing e-commerce demands between East Asia and the MENA region.
The first half of 2025 was also marked by key achievements:
Sir Bani Yas Airport completed major rehabilitation works to support eco-tourism in Al Dhafra.
AUH earned the 3 Pearl Estidama rating for sustainable construction and was named ‘Best Airport at Arrivals Globally’ at the ACI ASQ Awards for the third year in a row.
At Al Bateen Executive Airport, progress continues on a new Bombardier service facility, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s aviation maintenance and service capabilities.
A new MoU with TAQA Distribution will explore smart utility solutions to drive sustainable airport operations.
