DUBAI AIRPORTS EXPECTS 13.6 PCT PASSENGER GROWTH IN 2010

By ABDUL MUIN MAJID

DUBAI, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Dubai Airports today issued its updated traffic
forecast for Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum
International (DWC-AMI) projecting a 13.6 per cent international passenger
traffic growth in 2010.

According to the Emirate's airport operator, total passenger traffic is
expected to reach 40.5 million by end-2009 and top 46 million in 2010.

Dubai Airports' Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths said the growth
would be driven by improving economic conditions, state-of-the-art
infrastructure, strong expansion by Emirates Airline and emerging low-cost
carrier, Flydubai.

Another factor will be an open sky policy that promotes market access to
other international airlines, he said, adding that Dubai's location and
advancements in aircraft technology would also be key contributing factors.

"The first phase of DWC-AMI is expected to stimulate traffic when it opens
in June 2010," said Dubai Airports, adding that an estimated one million
passengers are anticipated to pass through the new airportduring the abbreviated
operational period in 2010.

DWC-AMI will eventually become the world's largest airport handling 160
million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year.

Griffiths said aviation is big business in Dubai accounting for at least 25
per cent of Dubai's Gross Domestic Product.

-- BERNAMA