May 26 - Dubai International Airport has reported an increase in passenger traffic and cargo volume in April despite the volcanic ash cloud flight cancellations. The ash cloud had grounded flights around the world for six days last month but did not have much of an impact on the airport’s passenger traffic that rose by 13.9 per cent to 3.7 million in April 2010 from 3.3 million during the same period last year. Cargo volumes went up by 19.6 per cent to 178,357 tons from 149,169 tons.
“To record double-digit growth during a month where over 500 flights were cancelled is impressive,” said Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul
Griffiths. “It’s a testament to the great job airlines did to clear the backlog after the skies opened up. And it’s a clear indication that our confidence in the continued growth at Dubai International is well placed,” he added.
The volcanic ash cloud closed the airspace in Europe from April 15 to 21 causing over 100,000 flights to be cancelled.