Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) says that 9.7 million passengers passed through Abu Dhabi International Airport in 2009, an increase of 7.3 per cent.

The 7.3 per cent growth rate is in contrast to the negative global average which declined by 3 per cent last year. There was also an increase in cargo traffic at Abu Dhabi, of 7 per cent, and total flights, around 9.6 per cent.

ADAC expects the airport to grow more in the coming years and is planning a major expansion, which includes building a new terminal complex. In January, The Supervision Committee for the Expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport (Scadia) invited contractors to express interest in a contract to build the midfield terminal at the airport. The opening of the midfield terminal at the end of 2015 will more than double the airport’s capacity from 12 million to 32 million passengers a year (MEED 18:01:10).