Passenger numbers at Al Maktoum International Airport - Dubai World Central (DWC) are expected to soar once flydubai commences operations from DWC in October, offering passengers a total of 190 weekly flights to 17 destinations.

During the first half of the year, Al Maktoum International Airport saw passenger numbers drop 64 per cent to 209,989 compared to 578,129 passengers recorded in the same period last year – a momentary surge created by the temporary relocation of 300 flights per week while the runway refurbishment programme was conducted at Dubai International.

Aircraft movements totalled 20,866 in the first half of 2015, down 17 per cent from the 25,184 movements achieved in the same period in 2014.

Cargo volumes, however, continued to rise sharply during the first six months, reflecting in the airport’s climb up the ranks to 19th position from 20th among top cargo airports worldwide.

Freight volumes surged 42 per cent in the first half of 2015 to 443,012 tonnes, up from the 311,365 tonnes achieved in the same period last year, driven by Dubai Airports’ strategic decision to relocate all dedicated freighters from Dubai International to DWC in May last year. – TradeArabia New Service