Tag Archives: Airports

GACA stated that the total number of complaints submitted by passengers against air carriers in June amounted to 900. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in June. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was the least carrier complained about, with 12 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint handling rate of 99%. Flynas ranked second, with 14 complaints and a closure rate of 100%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third, with 18 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 96%. The most frequent complaints for June were about luggage, boarding and ticketing services. For the same month, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually. Only 16 complaints were submitted by travelers, with a timely complaint handling rate of 77%. Abha International Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually. Only eight complaints were submitted, with a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. For domestic reports, Bisha Airport recorded the lowest complaints per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 3%, recording a timely complaint processing rate of 100%.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with an 82% compliance rate. Following closely behind was King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 64%. In the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport tied for first place, with a 91% compliance rate. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport followed with a 82% compliance rate. In the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan demonstrated a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport by surpassing higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria. In the category of less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Qurayyat Airport came first in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate. It outperformed all competing airports regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its June report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia. Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveler experience at Kingdom airports. The report ranked King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Qurayyat Airport highly. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach. GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for …

Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport of Capital Airport Holding Company, signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two parties. According to the MoU, the parties will work together to enhance existing frequencies between the United Arab Emirates and Beijing and collaborate on joint marketing and sales activities to promote travel between the two countries. They will also jointly improve passenger services, and enhance baggage handling and lounge services. The milestone marks a further deepening of the partnership between Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport in the aviation sector, opening a new chapter in aviation cooperation. Additionally, they will implement cargo development plans to boost cargo transportation efficiency and share information and collaborate on technology initiatives to improve operational efficiency. This cooperation will further strengthen Etihad Airways’ global influence, expand its route network, and enhance service levels, while providing new momentum in international aviation cooperation for Beijing Daxing International Airport, consolidating its position as a major aviation hub. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This MoU signifies more than just a cooperation between airline and airport; it marks a closer connection between the UAE and China. We look forward to promoting cultural exchanges and driving economic growth through this cooperation.” Mr. Kong Yue, Vice President, Beijing Daxing International Airport of Capital Airports Holdings, stated: “This cooperation will open a new chapter in the aviation sector between the Middle East and China. It is a model for promoting China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and also contributing to achieving Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision, further strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries.” Etihad was a member of …

A new passenger terminal is set to be built at a cost of AED128 billion, the new terminal will ultimately enable the airport to handle a passenger capacity of 260 million annually at Al Maktoum International Airport. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the strategic plan of the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and approved designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the largest in the world when fully operational. The approval came during His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Sheikh Mohammed said: “Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, and commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy. “Al Maktoum International Airport will enjoy the world’s largest capacity, reaching up to 260 million passengers. It will be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport, and all operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to it in the coming years. The airport will accommodate 400 aircraft gates and feature five parallel runways. New aviation technologies will be employed for the first time in the aviation sector,” His Highness said. “As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for …

Furthering Dubai’s commitment to accessible travel and in time for World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April; Emirates has achieved a Certified Autism Center™ Designation for all of its Dubai Check In facilities – Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to the Emirates’ dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) ensures that all Emirates facilities in Dubai have taken a significant step towards making travel more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse customers, meeting criteria required for a comfortable and supported travel experience. As part of the designation, Emirates employees at the various facilities underwent specialized training on autism and sensory awareness, to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of autistic travellers or those with sensory sensitivities, along with their families. Comprehensive facilities audits were conducted across the locations, measuring all sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells to develop sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions and choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences. This achievement builds on the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES and aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Middle East. Emirates’ City Check-Ins across Dubai offer a seamless and stress-free pre-airport experience in convenient and easily accessible locations, where Emirates customers can check in for …

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued an index to classify air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority during December 2023. The total complaints lodged by passengers to GACA during December amounted to 1,308. Flynas recorded the least complaints at 42 per 100,000 passengers, with a closure rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) ranked second, with 61 complaints and a closure rate of 99%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third with 65 complaints per 100,000 passengers, recording a closure rate of 96%. The most frequent complaints for December were about luggage, flight delays, and tickets, respectively. In December 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded the lowest complaints, with five complaints for every 100,000 passengers, or 1%, among international airports that receive more than six million passengers annually. The airport had a closure rate of 100%. Abha International Airport came with the lowest complaints for every 100,000 passengers with six complaints, or 2%, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually, with a closure rate of 100%. Locally, Najran Domestic Airport recorded the lowest complaints for every 100,000 passengers with two complaints, at a closure rate of 100%.

DXB is getting ready to welcome 3.3 million travellers over the next 13-day period. With average daily traffic reaching 258,000 guests, August 26 and 27 are expected to be the busiest with culminated traffic of over half a million guests. Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a seamless airport journey for guests. Here are DXB’s top tips for arriving guests: Travellers between the ages of 4 and 12 can use dedicated passport control counters to independently stamp their passports upon arrival at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 For those travelling with families, travellers over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process Make the most of the DXB experience with various amenities in lounges, dining and shopping outlets, and duty-free The road through the airport could get busy during peak times. If possible, use the Dubai Metro, which has stations at DXB Terminals 1 and 3 DXB offers a range of other transportation choices — hail an Uber, Careem, RTA Taxi, or rent a car Those picking up guests should use DXB’s designated car parks or valet services to receive their guests in comfort. Access to the Arrivals’ forecourts in Terminal 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles only. Once in Dubai, visitors and returning residents can discover the beautiful Emirate through the city’s diverse attractions, cultural exhibitions, live performances, tailored family experiences and more.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) continues its impressive growth in passenger traffic as it records promising numbers in the first half of 2023. The award-winning airport has witnessed an influx of travelers flying to and from Doha with a recorded 33.5% increase in passenger traffic and 18.1% increase in aircraft movements from the same period last year. The airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of 2023 – moving 10,315,695 passengers in the first quarter of the year and a further 10,459,392 in the second quarter. Aircraft movements during the first half of 2023 also increased compared to last year, with a total of 116,296 arriving and departing from the airport – 56,417 in the first quarter of 2023 and 59,879 in the second quarter. During the first half of 2023, Hamad International Airport handled 1,121,382 tonnes of cargo and moved 17,596,776 bags, including 11,376,483 transfer bags through its facility. The second quarter of 2023 saw the airport manage a 24% increase in passenger traffic from the same period last year, with 3,281,773 passengers in April, 3,440,047 in May and 3,737,572 in June. Aircraft movements also saw a steady increase, with 18,762 in April, 20,226 in May and 20,891 in June. In terms of total destinations during the second quarter of this year, the airport saw a total of 194 scheduled passenger and cargo destinations. Hamad International Airport’s commitment to investing in the latest technologies has allowed it to implement the advanced screening technology to reduce processing time and enhance security within the facility. The adoption of the latest screening equipment allows transferring passengers to keep their electronic devices, along with liquid containers in their hand luggage. …

The Hajj Committee at Dubai Airports convened recently to discuss comprehensive preparations to facilitate the smooth and seamless travel of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. The committee, which comprises key service partners including Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, Dubai Health Authority, flydubai, Emirates, Saudi Airlines, and flynas, among others, aims to deliver an exceptional airport experience for the pilgrims across all terminals at DXB. Mohammad Al Marzouqi, Head of the Hajj Committee, emphasised on the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders and service partners as the key to maintaining service quality especially during annual peak travel seasons. Dubai Airports is committed to providing world-class passenger facilities and services, to ensure the comfort, convenience, and safety of all guests arriving at and departing from DXB.

After most of the multi-billion dollar airport construction projects were put on the back burner or temporarily curtailed over the past three years, operators and investors have been racing down the tarmac as the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions are expected to account for 58 per cent of the global air passenger demand in 2040. The CAPA – Centre for Aviation, one of the world’s most trusted sources of aviation market intelligence, says there have been 425 major construction projects at existing airports, with US$450.7 billion in total committed expenditure globally, each of which is at various stages, from preparatory to about to conclude, along with 225 new airport projects and airport investor numbers swelling to 1074, including 258 airport operator groups or consortiums. Its database has region-wise listed the total numbers of the airport project and the volume of investment include 155 in Middle East worth US$209.4 billion. The Middle East region, positioned at the strategic crossroads of major economies of Asia, Africa and Europe, has transformed into a major international hub and continues to be an inspirational growth story. With over 110 airports, this is already among the fastest growing in the world, accounting for 170 million of the global traffic. Airports in the Middle East will need to invest US$151 billion in capacity expansion as the global air passenger demand is expected to increase more than two-fold in 2040. “This necessitates an investment totaling US$2.4 trillion for Middle East and Asia-Pacific airports until 2040 to accommodate this growth,” the Airport Council International said.  The ACI forecasts close to 19.7 billion passengers are expected to traverse the world’s airports by 2040 and the Middle East airports will handle …