Passenger rises at Abu Dhabi international airport

The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) said that Abu Dhabi International Airport handled 1.1 million passengers in November - the fifth consecutive month that the airport has welcomed over one million passengers. Abu Dhabi International Airport saw a 16 per cent surge in passenger traffic in November compared to the same month last year. Cargo traffic was also on the rise, with over 42,000 tonnes of freight handled throughout the month, recording a 7 per cent increase over the same period in 2010. Harib Al Hameli, Vice President Operations, Abu Dhabi International Airport, stated: "Last November was one of the busiest months for Abu Dhabi International Airport, particularly with the many activities surrounding the F1 season taking place around the capital, along with the Haj season, which drove passenger traffic to rise through the airport's diverse network. We look forward to sustaining our dynamic growth, and to continue providing our passengers with award-winning customer service combined with high level of efficient and safe operations." Article continues below Doha, London Heathrow, Bangkok, Manila and Manama were the top five routes for November, collectively claiming 20 per cent of the total passenger traffic for the month. Adac is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Adac assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Adac added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism. Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.