Airports in Asia Pacific Report 9.7% Passenger Growth in February 2015

Impacted by seasonal passenger traffic surge during Lunar New Year, Asia Pacific airports reported a growth of +9.7% while those in the Middle East recorded an increase of +7.0% in February 2015.

According to ACI Asia Pacific, many airports in Asia Pacific posted double-digit growth for the month. The Lunar New Year holiday period significantly boosted international passenger traffic: Tokyo Haneda (HND) recorded an outstanding +51.1% increase in international passenger followed by Shanghai Pudong (PVG) +28.9%. Bangalore (BLR) grew at +29.6% in overall passenger traffic for the month and is likely to surpass 15 million by the end of 2015.

The growth of Middle East airports were led by: Abu Dhabi (AUH) +21.5% and Doha (DOH) +15.6%.

In February, air freight statistics show a large increase for the Asia Pacific region up 14.3% while the Middle East enjoyed an increase of 12.3%. Many airports in Asia Pacific reported significant growth for the month. These increases were primarily driven by strong boost leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday; and the modal shift to air transport by retailers and manufacturers due to congestion at major seaports along the west coast of the United States. Shanghai (PVG) led Asia Pacific with the highest growth rate +23.6% whereas Dubai (aggregate DXB & DWC2) led the Middle East at +37.8%.

For the year to date, passenger traffic in the Asia Pacific and Middle East recorded a year-on-year increase of +7.0% and +9.2% respectively. Freight volume grew +8.5% in Asia-Pacific and +10.9% in the Middle East.