UAE airports are now reporting the best traffic figures since the economic downturn began last year, indicating the global economy may be recovering.  Abu Dhabi International Airport passenger traffic increased 10.3% last month, Dubai Aiports increased 12.6%.   The strong passenger growth figures follow encouraging news about the US economy.  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) attributed the positive results in part to regional long haul airlines competing with airlines like British Airways and Singapore Airlines. 

IATA said long haul carriers based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines are heavily investing in order to win international air travel between Asia and the West, and they are succeeding.  IATA’s report last week said Middle East growth “reflects the success of Middle Eastern airlines in gaining market share from the direct flights by flying passengers via their hubs.” Passenger traffic was flat or negative in February and March but has since been steadily increasing.