Passenger growth at Dubai International Airport increased 6.7 percent to reach 26,878,331 during the first eight months of 2009, up from 25,182,526 for the same period in 2008.  The consistent passenger growth at DIA stands in sharp contrast to a 7 percent contraction in year-to-date international passenger growth, as reported by Airports Council International (ACI). 

Dubai International also continues to maintain its position as one of the top five hubs for international cargo traffic, which has reached 1,198,546 tons year-to-date.  Cargo traffic was 1,197,522 million tons for the same period in 2008.  ACI reported that international airflight cargo globally is down 20 percent year-to-date.  Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said Dubai International Airport’s sustained growth supports forecasts for a record breaking year.  Dubai Airport recently forecast an 8.3 percent increase in passenger numbers in 2009 and a 13.6 percent increase in 2010.