DUBAI - The UAE's civil aviation sector recorded remarkable growth in the first quarter of 2024, welcoming a staggering 36.5 million passengers, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

This figure marks a 14.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year and highlights the sector's remarkable growth trajectory.

The breakdown includes 10,723,639 arrivals, 10,874,232 departures, and 14,944,466 transit passengers.

The air cargo sector also witnessed a significant 32 percent growth in Q1 compared to the same period last year, handling a total of 1.1 million tons of cargo in Q1 2024. This volume comprised 269,526 tons of imports, 119,490 tons of exports, and 714,446 tons of transit goods.

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The air cargo sector also witnessed a significant 32 percent growth in Q1 compared to the same period last year, handling a total of 1.1 million tons of cargo in Q1 2024

Notably, national carriers spearheaded approximately 68 percent of the total air cargo movement during this period.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of GCAA, attributed this success to the collaborative efforts between the authority and its partners at both federal and local government levels.

Al Suwaidi highlighted that these growth rates underscore the sector's strength, competitiveness, and potential for continued advancement.

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The strategic opening of new markets for national carriers, facilitated by 189 air transport agreements with countries worldwide, has been instrumental in fostering international partnerships and promoting the open skies policy.