Abu Dhabi International Airport has reported record passenger figures for the year 2013, with 16.7 million passengers passing through the airport’s three terminals, marking an increase of 12.4% from 2012.
Air traffic increased 11.2% year-over-year to a total of 135,213 movements.
Freight traffic also had a record year, with more than 706,000t of cargo being handled in the 12-month period.
Abu Dhabi Airports noted that the increase in passenger, aircraft and cargo traffic can be attributed to its strategy of on-going development of facilities and services.
As a result of these activities, new airlines have chosen Abu Dhabi International Airport, while existing air carriers have expanded their services to and from the UAE’s capital city.
Abu Dhabi Airports CEO Tony Douglas said: "We opened a new arrivals hall for terminals one and three in 2013 and we made significant progress on our Midfield Terminal Project, which is set to open for business in July 2017 and will increase the airport’s capacity to be able to handle 30 million passengers a year.

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By GlobalData"Our growth is complemented by the rapid expansion of Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, as we share together the commitment to world class service levels."
"With the capacity challenges we enjoy, we fully expect to continue to develop our airports in 2014, and strengthen the Emirate’s position as a key global hub for air transport."
Image: Abu Dhabi Airport recorded an increase in passenger, aircraft and cargo traffic in the year 2013. Photo: courtesy of Abu Dhabi Airports