Abu Dhabi Airports achieved a historic milestone in 2025, welcoming over 33 million passengers. This record marks the highest volume of annual travel in the emirate’s history, reflecting a significant upward trajectory in airport usage.
Unprecedented Growth in Passenger Traffic
Traffic across Abu Dhabi’s five airports has doubled in just three years. Zayed International Airport (AUH) has notably become the fastest-growing mega airport in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. In 2025 alone, AUH recorded approximately 8.59 million passengers in the fourth quarter, which is a 13.8% increase compared to the previous year.
Expansion of Route Network
Abu Dhabi Airports expanded its network by launching 39 new routes and welcoming seven new airlines. Significant growth includes services provided by:
- China Eastern Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Eurowings
- Jazeera Airways
- Etihad Airways
New destinations range from major cities like Addis Ababa and Atlanta to emerging markets including Berlin, Hanoi, Pune, and Warsaw.
Record-Breaking Operations
AUH has consistently demonstrated operational efficiency, with daily passenger traffic surpassing 100,000 on multiple occasions. This achievement highlights AUH’s status as a leading hub for both point-to-point and transfer travelers.
Leadership Insights
Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasized the significance of crossing the 33 million passenger threshold. He remarked, “This achievement showcases our commitment to operational excellence and the demands of a growing global market.”
Growth Across All Airports
Other airports in the emirate, including Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) and Al Ain International Airport (AAN), also experienced positive growth. In Q4 2025:
- AZI saw aircraft movements rise by 15.3% compared to the same period last year and 7% annually.
- AAN recorded a 48.1% increase in passenger traffic over Q4 2024 and a 9.2% annual increase.
Cargo Volume Growth
In 2025, nearly 770,000 tonnes of cargo were processed at Abu Dhabi Airports, reflecting a 12% increase year-on-year. This growth emphasizes the emirate’s strategic role as a trade routing hub.
A Year of Achievements
Beyond passenger traffic, Abu Dhabi Airports received accolades for excellence in various categories. Key achievements include:
- Best Airport for Retail at the 2025 Frontier Awards
- Highly Commended at the 2025 Aviation Business Awards
- ACI Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation
- Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation
The year concluded with several recognitions for innovative technology and enhanced passenger services, showcasing the airport’s commitment to improving the overall travel experience.
