Emirates Flight 305 from Shanghai, landing on December 22, marked the historic milestone, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The UAE achieved an impressive 10.3% year-on-year growth in air traffic in 2024, reflecting a significant recovery and expansion in the aviation industry. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, noted that air traffic has grown by over 20% in the past two years, placing the country among the fastest-growing aviation hubs globally.
The Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre, one of the busiest air traffic control centres in the world, played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone. In 2024, the centre implemented cutting-edge technologies to enhance airspace efficiency and minimize delays. The GCAA also expanded airspace capacity to meet rising demand while maintaining safety and reliability standards.
Aviation continues to be a key driver of the UAE economy. In Dubai alone, aviation-facilitated tourism contributed Dh43 billion to the city’s GDP, accounting for 8.5% and supporting over 329,000 jobs. Globally, aviation’s economic impact is estimated at $4.1 trillion, underlining its significance.
