Dubai international airport has seen its cargo volumes rise in September to 202,415 tonnes, as it recovers from the runway closures from May to July, which saw freighter flights moving to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Cargo volumes have been volatile throughout the year, and they slumped in May, June and July as a result of flights moving to Al Maktoum while the runways were closed for resurfacing. In January, February, March and April it handled 197,021 tonnes, 188,702 tonnes, 228,154 tonnes and 207,317 tonnes, respectively. While it was operating one-runway, cargo volumes dropped to 182,028 tonnes, 180,025 tonnes and 184,720 tonnes in May, June and July, respectively. In August and September it rose again to 192,902 tonnes and 202,415 tonnes, respectively. Year-to-date it is down 1.7 per cent to 1.7 million tonnes.
Dubai Airports, which operates Dubai International and Al Maktoum, chief executive officer, Paul Griffiths, says: “The airport’s performance in the first three quarters has been very satisfying and we anticipate brisk growth will continue as we head down the home stretch to year-end.” Year-on-year each month was up on 2013 except May, June and July when freighter flights moved to Al Maktoum while the runways were being refurbished. January, February, March and April were up 4.5 per cent, 3.4 per cent, 6.7 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively. May, June and July were down 13.3 per cent, 14.3 per cent and 10.7 per cent, respectively. August and September were up 4.3 per cent and 2.8 per cent, respectively. Dubai International was operating one runway from 1 May to 21 July while resurfacing work, runway lighting was upgraded and the creation of additional taxiways was taking place.
The airport has a capacity of 2.5 million tonnes, mostly based around its Cargo Mega Terminal (CMT). The CMT has a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, which will increase to 1.5 million tonnes a year when its 30,000 square metre addition is finished. Another 40,000 tonne cargo facility is also under construction. Al Maktoum can handle 250,000 tonnes a year, giving Dubai Airports a combined capacity of 2.8 million tonnes.
