The airport's official annual traffic figures, recently announced, showed a positive second half of the year 2020, after a difficult second quarter, with December exceeding industry expectations at 2,19 million customers. The closing data showed a noted recovery in many areas, especially the return to services in global markets thanks to the strength in operations of Emirates and flydubai, and the confidence shown by international airlines coming back into the region.

 Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, commented, "In the past year we have witnessed the most difficult circumstances the travel industry has ever faced. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt not only in our sector, but across the entire world. These DXB passenger traffic figures are reflective of that testing environment, but also come with an element of hope and confidence.”

 Griffiths added, “An integral part of recovery for the travel and tourism industry is rebuilding the confidence of travellers, and one way to do this is through a vaccination programme, similar to what is currently being carried out by the UAE government. This, along with technology that will allow for seamless and contactless travel, will once encourage more people to get on a plane. In addition, we have transformed our DXB and DWC cargo operations. As an intercontinental hub we are well positioned to support the distribution of vaccines from the countries manufacturing them, to the world.”

 Looking forward, Griffiths  is confident of a steady, but optimistic outlook. They are constantly monitoring future schedules and bookings, working with airlines on their plans to return to DXB and new routes to be introduced. This will allow Dubai Airports to ensure we have sufficient capacity and operational capability available to support as the recovery gains pace.