The number of air passengers carried in the United Arab Emirates showed robust growth until 2019, reaching a peak of 95.758 million in 2018. However, travel restrictions and decreased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop to 26.117 million in 2020. Recovery started in 2021, with the number of passengers rebounding to 28.423 million and surging to 79.881 million in 2022. By 2023, the number stood at 92.725 million, showing a strong rebound with a 16.08% year-on-year increase. The forecast up to 2028 predicts a slight decline, with the number decreasing to 89.617 million, resulting in a 5-year CAGR of -0.54%.
Future trends to watch for include:
- The return to pre-pandemic travel levels and continued recovery.
- The influence of geopolitical stability in the region on travel patterns.
- Sustainable aviation technology impacts and shifts in consumer preferences.
- The growth of new travel hubs and expanded flight routes.
