Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) just hit a major milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 29.4 million passengers in 2024—a massive 28.1% jump from the previous year. A big part of this success comes from Etihad Airways, which flew passengers to over 125 destinations, adding 29 new routes in just one year.
The airport also saw eight new airlines join its network, including British Airways, Air Astana, and Aegean Airlines. Aircraft movements increased by 10%, reaching 249,747 takeoffs and landings. Key travel markets like the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt played a major role in this surge.
Zayed International Airport isn’t just busy with passengers — cargo volumes skyrocketed to 678,990 tonnes in 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year. Abu Dhabi’s high-tech logistics infrastructure is helping move goods faster and more efficiently, further solidifying its status as a global trade hub.
AUH is getting more advanced with smart technology that makes travel faster and easier:
- US Preclearance Facility – travelers to the US can now complete immigration checks before boarding, making entry into the US seamless.
- Biometric Check-in & E-gates – facial recognition speeds up boarding and immigration.
- Self-service Baggage Drop – say goodbye to long queues and check in your bags in seconds.
And to keep up with the growing demand, the airport’s Northern Runway Rehabilitation Project ensures smooth operations, making AUH one of the most efficient airports in the world.
It’s been a year of big wins for Abu Dhabi — not only is Zayed International Airport breaking records, but the city itself has been named the safest city in the world for 2025. With world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a booming economy, Abu Dhabi continues to prove why it’s a global leader in travel and business.
