Emirates’ passenger numbers rise 6% this summer

Emirates is seeing an increase in the number of passengers flying with the airline this summer, partially driven by demand on routes to and from neighbouring Arab Gulf countries.

Passenger numbers are up 6 per cent during summer compared to the same period in 2014, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Sheikh Majid Al Mualla said in a statement issued by the media centre of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment on Sunday.

Passenger data was not released and an Emirates spokesperson declined to give numbers when contacted by Gulf News.

Al Mualla said the increase has been driven by growth in number of Gulf travellers which saw Emirates adding capacity and putting on additional flights this summer on popular routes to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

"Demand from the GCC to Dubai is continuing to grow and the emirate is becoming increasingly popular as a summer destination for the region,” Al Mualla stated.

Over summer there has also been an increase in the number of Indian passengers choosing to stay in Dubai for a few days on their way other destinations such as Europe and the United States, he added.

Dubai government's initiative Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), a retail sales event from July 23 to September 5, is one of the drawcards for passengers choosing to stay in Dubai this summer, Al Mualla stated.
Source: Gulf News