Abu Dhabi Airports handled 8.61 million passengers in the third quarter of 2026, up 1.4% compared with the same period in 2025. Zayed International Airport welcomed 8.45 million passengers, a year-on-year increase of 1.2%, while its network grew to 124 destinations from 112 a year earlier.
The operator of Abu Dhabi’s five airports said daily passenger traffic averaged 94,000 during the peak summer travel season, exceeding 100,000 on several days in September 2026, according to a publication on the Abu Dhabi Media Office website.
India was the airport’s leading market in September, accounting for more than 671,000 passengers. Total traffic across the Abu Dhabi Airports network reached approximately 30.2 million passengers in the 12 months ended September 2026.
Zayed International Airport expands to 124 destinations
Zayed International Airport served 124 destinations in Q3 2026, compared with 112 a year earlier, an increase of 12 destinations.
The expansion coincided with stronger partnerships with airlines including Condor, Royal Jordanian, Air India Express and Oman Air.
Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi also launched new routes, expanding travel options and connectivity through Zayed International Airport.
Abu Dhabi Airports benefits from the emirate’s location, which places 80% of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight, according to the company.
69,615 aircraft movements across Abu Dhabi Airports
The network recorded 69,615 take-offs and landings in Q3 2026, up 3.8% compared with the same period in 2025. Zayed International Airport recorded 49,427 movements, a year-on-year increase of 0.7%.
The figures reflect expanding operations across the five-airport network alongside additional destinations and stronger airline partnerships.
Air cargo rises 11.4%
Air cargo volumes across the network reached 225,298 tonnes in Q3 2026, up 11.4% compared with the same period last year.
Growth was driven by a 28.2% increase in cargo carried on dedicated freighter aircraft as cargo and logistics activities continued developing across the emirate’s airports.
Tahnoun International Airport records growth in aircraft movements and cargo
Tahnoun International Airport in the Al Ain region recorded growth in aircraft movements and cargo in Q3 2026, coinciding with its renaming from Al Ain International Airport in honour of the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Aircraft movements rose 17.1% compared with Q3 2025, while cargo increased 63% year on year. The results form part of operational development across Abu Dhabi’s five-airport network.
Stronger connectivity and operational efficiency
Ahmed Juma Al Shamsi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said the results demonstrate the importance of coordinated efforts among entities across the emirate to support travel and trade.
He added that the company is working with airlines, government entities and partners to improve operating efficiency, expand connectivity and increase capacity.
He said developing airport services and simplifying travel procedures are part of efforts to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role in international trade and tourism, drawing on its geographical position and growing destination network.
