Dubai International Airport continues with a double digit growth for the year 2005. A total of 24.7 million passengers passed through the airport, registering a growth of 14% over the 21.7 million in 2004. Cargo movement registered a 20% growth with total freight movement of 1.3 million tonnes in 2005 as compared to 1.1 million tonnes in 2004.

Aircraft movement has also shown growth of 11% with 217165 movements as compared to 295820 movements in 2004.

Dubai International Hotel continued its upward growth with occupancy rate registering at 107% for the year.  Highest occupancy rate was during December (122%) followed by September (119%).

Commenting on the annual statistics, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, said: “The continuous growth at Dubai International Airport verifies the fact that Dubai is now the business and leisure destination of the region. Over the years the Department of Civil Aviation has continuously stressed on maintaining a very high standard for all the services and facilities provided and this has paid off. We have continuously attracted new airlines and can truly be regarded as a hub with 110 airlines and more than 160 destinations.

In 2006 we expect throughput 28 million passenger and 1.5 million tonnes of freight  to be registered at Dubai International Airport.”