Passenger traffic growth slowed down for the month of June 2014, Asia-Pacific airports recorded a year-on-year increase of +3.3% while airports in the Middle East posted an increase of +4.4%.
Traffic growth for June 2014 showed mixed results across reporting airports. Among the top five airports, Beijing (PEK) was the busiest but with negligible growth (+0.1%), while Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Hong Kong (HKG) posted solid growth of +7.6% and +4.0% respectively.
Both Jakarta (CGK) and Dubai (DXB) experienced a decline in growth from last year at -6.9% and -8.5% respectively. The temporary runway closure at Dubai (DXB) continued to have a negative impact on passenger traffic.
For year-to-date passenger traffic from January to June 2014, the Middle East continued to lead the region with a strong increase of +9.0%, while the Asia-Pacific posted an increase of +5.0%.
The Middle Eastern airports continued to demonstrate sturdy growth in 1H 2014 over last year, with Abu Dhabi (AUH, +19.4%) and Doha (DOH, +14.5%) leading the pack with double-digit growth. Over 90% of reporting airports in the Asia-Pacific recorded positive year-on-year growth in 1H 2014.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) however, reported a decline of -12.1%, likely contributed by the continuous political unrest in the city since late 2013.
Cargo traffic growth in the region continued the increasing trend but at a slower pace in June 2014. Asia-Pacific airports recorded a year-on-year growth of +4.5% for the month of June 2014 while the Middle East recorded a decrease of -3.9%. Year-to-date growth was +5.0% for Asia-Pacific and +2.5% for the Middle East.
The top 5 airports with the highest cargo throughput in 1H 2014: Hong Kong (HKG, +6.4%), Shanghai Pudong (PVG, +7.6%), Seoul Incheon (ICN, +3.8%), Dubai (DXB, -1.8%) and Tokyo Narita (NRT, +9.8%). The slowdown in cargo traffic growth in the Middle East was driven primarily by Dubai (DXB)'s temporary runway closure.
Note :
1. ASP = Asia-Pacific Area; ME = Middle East Area
2. ACI PaxFlash and FreightFlash statistics are based on a significant sample of airports that provide regular monthly reports to ACI. They represent approximately 60% of total passenger traffic and 70% of total freight traffic worldwide. Commentary, tables and charts are based on preliminary data submitted by participating airports and are therefore subject to change.