UAE Airlines Expand Reach with 15 New Routes, Passenger Traffic Surges

UAE airlines expand with 15 new destinations in H1 2025; passenger numbers soar.

In a significant development for the United Arab Emirates' aviation industry, UAE airlines have unveiled an impressive expansion with 15 new global destinations introduced in the first half of 2025.

This strategic move has catapulted passenger numbers at UAE airports to a staggering 75.4 million.

This growth underlines the UAE's status as a leading aviation hub, witnessing robust increases in both passenger traffic and air cargo volumes.

According to recent data from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the civil aviation sector in the UAE is on a remarkable upward trajectory.

UAE Airports and Airlines

Between January and June, airports across the country handled an impressive 75.4 million passengers, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year when figures stood at 71.7 million.

The month of January recorded peak activity with over 13.7 million travelers navigating through UAE terminals.

National airlines contributed significantly to this surge by adding new routes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, thereby reinforcing the nation’s position on the global aviation map. Among these are new flights to cities such as Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Croatia, and Ethiopia.

Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri acknowledged that this achievement is fueled by progressive national strategies under visionary leadership. "The performance indicators for early 2025 illustrate our resilience and competitiveness," he stated.

The Minister emphasized that aviation serves as a crucial link connecting the UAE to global markets while driving economic progress through initiatives like expanding air connectivity supported by advanced regulatory frameworks.

The first half of this year saw air traffic movements reach 531,000-a rise of 6.2% from approximately half a million movements in early 2024-indicative of continued robust performance within this sector.

Aviation Performance Highlights – H1 2025

The country's burgeoning airports managed more than two million tonnes of cargo during this period-a reflection of their capability and forward-thinking infrastructure planning. 

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi , Director -General of GCAA , reaffirmed confidence in continuing positive trends due largely thanks unwavering support wise governance commitments sustained expansion plans.

As we look ahead towards future endeavors bolstering tourism trade alike collectively ensuring UAE’s place forefront international transport landscapes globally."