The UAE’s air traffic growth increased to 51,851 air traffic movements in January, and this was driven by Dubai, which ranked first in the region with 24,388 movements, or almost 47 percent of the total. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said higher air traffic movements were recorded in January 2010 than in January 2009, despite the global economic downturn. Overflights ranked second with 11,006 movements, or 21 percent, followed by Abu Dhabi with 7,733 moveenmts, then Sharjah International Airport with 5,095 movements. 

366 movements were recorded at Fujairah International Airport, Al Ain Airport had 181, and Ras Al Khaimah International airport had 111 movements.  These three airports combined accounted for 1.2 percent of total UAE flights in January.  Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, general manager of the GCAA, said “In spite of the challenges facing the civil aviation industry in many parts of the world, the UAE was able to maintain its growth.”