Indigo's Tier-II Indian Routes to Abu Dhabi Expand as Traffic Grows

Abu Dhabi Airports continues to cement its position as a key enabler of economic growth and global connectivity, reporting double‑digit passenger traffic growth for a 17^th consecutive quarter, alongside strong flight movements and cargo growth in the first half of 2025.

From January 1 to June 30, 2025, Abu Dhabi Airports welcomed more than 15.8 million passengers, a notable 13.1 per cent rise on the first half of 2024. Zayed International Airport (AUH) played a pivotal role in the increase, handling 15.5 million passengers up to the end of June – a year-on-year rise of 13.2 per cent. This growth in passenger traffic was supported by 133,533 total flights across the five airports in the first half of 2025, up 9.2 per cent on the same period last year. AUH registered 93,858 aircraft movements, 11.4 per cent higher than H1 2024, which recorded 84,286 flights.

Expanding its global footprint remains central to Abu Dhabi Airports’ growth strategy. In the first half of the year, the network added 16 new destinations and welcomed new airline partners. Notable additions include China Eastern Airlines’ four-times-weekly Shanghai service (with daily service commencing in September), Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, and Fly Cham’s service to Damascus. IndiGo also strengthened its presence at AUH with new routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam, further cementing AUH as the airline’s most connected hub in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Airports also demonstrated significant growth in cargo operations, highlighting the emirate’s growing significance in global trade. In the first six months of 2025, it handled a total of 344,795 tonnes of cargo year-to-date, bolstered by strategic partnerships and ongoing infrastructure enhancements. These include a major joint venture agreement signed with JD Property, the infrastructure arm of China’s e-commerce giant JD.com. The agreement will see the development of a state-of-the-art 70,000 sqm advanced-tech facility that aims to meet the growing east–west demand for e-commerce and specialised cargo logistics across the GCC and broader MENA region.

The first half of 2025 was also marked by several strategic milestones across Abu Dhabi Airports’ network. Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport reflects the commitment to strengthen the UAE’s aviation infrastructure and support Al Dhafra Region’s eco-tourism ambitions. AUH was awarded the prestigious 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction and was recognised as the Best Airport at Arrivals Globally for the third consecutive year at the ACI ASQ Awards, further reinforcing its role as a world-class gateway to Abu Dhabi. At Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports’ collaboration with Bombardier progressed with the establishment of a dedicated service facility, advancing Abu Dhabi’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to position the emirate as a centre of excellence for aviation services. A new agreement signed with TAQA Distribution will explore the integration of next-generation utility technologies across the airport portfolio, reinforcing Abu Dhabi Airports’ long-term vision for innovation and sustainable development.

As Abu Dhabi Airports advances its long-term growth strategy, it remains focused on expanding global partnerships, advancing major infrastructure projects, and driving sustainable innovation, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for the UAE’s economic diversification and global aviation leadership ambitions.