The Middle East region registered strong air service growth in September, up 11 per cent, spurred by increased flights to a number of Asian and European destinations, according to OAG, the global leader in aviation intelligence.

The OAG in its monthly 'Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics' (Facts) report, said Dubai International Airport was a strong contributor to the growth, increasing 14 per cent in seat capacity, year over year.

September seat capacity and frequency in the Middle East increased 11 per cent, both within and to and from the region, it added.

The total seat capacity to and from the region increased to 11.65 million, from 10.5 million a year ago; and the total number of seats available within the region grew to 7.02 million from 6.31 million.

'Much of the growth in the Middle East is spurred by increased flights in the region to a number of Asian and European destinations,' said Peter von Moltke, chief executive officer, UBM Aviation.

'Dubai International Airport is home to a growing airline, which is supported by a government interested in opening international markets, catapulting the airport into the position of being a leading international airport,' he added.

The OAG report pointed out that for the first time Dubai's capacity surpassed the capacity constrained New York's JFK.

Within Central and South America, the seat capacity increased 10 per cent, to a total of 21.4 million, and flights increased 11 per cent to a total of 207,277, said the aviation intelligence leader in its report.

Worldwide, seat capacity increased 8 per cent in September to 319.48 million seats, an increase of 22.56 million seats. Frequency is scheduled to grow 6 per cent, to a total 2.55 million flights, an increase of 151,257 monthly flights. Air service growth is reflected in every region of the world, again this month, it added.

Scheduled seat capacity grew within North America for a second consecutive month, continuing growth that hasn't been experienced since 2007.

According to OAG, air service to and from Europe remains strong, with capacity increasing 10 per cent, to a total of 24.57 million seats; and flights by 11 per cent, with 108,888.

Much of this growth comes from increased seats and flights to the Middle East and Asia, including flights to and from Abu Dhabi (21 per cent), Doha (28 per cent) and Tokyo (12 per cent).

Traffic also grew within Europe with a 7 per cent increase in seat capacity and a 5 per cent increase in the number of fights to a total of 77.9 million seats and 623,579 flights, the OAG report said.

The Asia Pacific region continues to grow; increasing 10 per cent in both seat capacity and frequency, within and to and from the region. The total number of seats available to and from this region increased to 14.60 million, and within the region to 90.88 million.

The seat capacity growth was especially strong in Jakarta (45 per cent), Shanghai (19 per cent) and Kolkata (19 per cent), said von Moltke.

'Although Asia Pacific is a well-known area of growth, all eyes should continue to watch the region, specifically traffic to and from Delhi. The Indira Gandhi Airport recently opened a new terminal, creating great potential for this airport to become an effective connecting gateway and a viable competitor to other international hubs,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service