The Chairman of Dubai Airports has confirmed continued investment in Dubai Airports as passenger volumes continue to grow at the world’s sixth largest airport for international passenger traffic despite the global economic downturn.

A total of US$ 17.2 billion has been earmarked for expansion.

“These are challenging times for aviation. Passenger and cargo traffic has dropped off dramatically in most parts of the world leading to billions in industry losses,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed while attending the Paris Airshow. “Dubai has been a beacon of light during these turbulent times. During the first quarter Dubai Airports recorded 2.1 per cent passenger traffic growth. That increased to 6.5 per cent in April and 7.1 per cent in May. In total, Dubai International forecasts a 4 to 5 per cent increase in passenger traffic for the first half of this year. This is a welcome sign that the worst of this crisis may be behind us. It also sends a clear signal that our long-term strategy is on track.”
 
Dubai Airports has invested US$ 7.2 billion towards expansion of Dubai International. This includes Terminal 3 and the second concourse, which opened in October 2008 increasing the airport’s overall capacity to 60 million passengers per annum as well as construction on Concourse 3, due for completion at the end of 2011, which will boost total airport capacity to 75 million passengers per annum.
 
Another US$ 10 billion has been allocated for the construction of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. Upon completion it will be the largest airport in the world with capacity for 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum. The first phase is due to open in June 2010.
 
Currently over 100,000 travelers pass through Dubai International every day on more than 800 daily flights with at total of 39 million passengers projected for 2009. Some 130 airlines fly out of Dubai International to over 200 worldwide destinations and that number is expected to increase.