Abu Dhabi International Airport said its passenger traffic soared to 1.21 million in November, up 10 per cent when compared to the same period in 2011, according to a report by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

The growth registered in November is in parallel to the airport's performance in the preceding months. Last October, Abu Dhabi International Airport saw a 17.3 per cent surge in passenger traffic compared to last year, said the ADAC in its monthly traffic report.

This traffic growth recorded throughout the airport's diverse network was driven by the Hajj and Eid season along with the start of the Formula One season at the end of October, it added.

The cargo traffic was also on the rise, with over 52,777 tonnes of freight handled throughout the month of October, recording an 18.4 per cent increase over the same month in 2011.

According to ADAC, the aircraft movements increased by 7.9 per cent to reach a total of 10,711. The cargo traffic figures were also on the rise, with over 49,896 tonnes of freight handled throughout the month, recording an increase of 18 per cent, it added.

Commenting on the performance, Ahmad Al Haddabi, the chief operations officer of ADAC, said, "As we approach the end of the year, it is apparent that 2012 will continue to maintain the growth trend in passenger traffic witnessed in the past years at Abu Dhabi, as shown by the 19.3 per cent increase in passengers passing through the airport in the last 11 months compared with the same period in 2011, reaching 13.4 million passengers.

Such figures are an indication as to the position of the capital's airport as a major international aviation hub, stated Al Haddabi.

ADAC, he said, looks forward to sustaining this dynamic growth, and to continue providing passengers with award-winning customer service combined with a high level of efficient and safe operations.

"Bangkok, Doha, London Heathrow, Manila and Bahrain were the top five routes for November, collectively claiming 21 per cent of the total passenger traffic for the month, he added.-TradeArabia News Service