Pakistan among nations contributing highest footfall at Abu Dhabi airports in Q3 2022

An Etihad Airways plane flies over the main control tower at the Yas Marina circuit ahead of the start of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on November 27, 2016. (Photo courtesy: AFP/File)
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Updated 29 November 2022
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Pakistan among nations contributing highest footfall at Abu Dhabi airports in Q3 2022

  • Abu Dhabi Airports releases new passenger traffic report showing 250 percent rise compared to Q3 2021
  • Top five countries for passenger footfall increase during Q3 were India, UK, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt

ISLAMABAD: Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the five airports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, on Monday released its passenger traffic results’ report for the third quarter of 2022, showing a total footfall of 4.7 million passengers — a 250 percent rise from 1.3 million passengers in Q3 2021.

The report, the findings of which were published by the UAE’s state news agency, revealed passenger traffic figures across Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International, Al Bateen Executive, Delma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island between July 1 and September 30, 2022.

“The top five countries in terms of the passenger footfall increase during Q3 were from India (933,640), the United Kingdom (291,576), Pakistan (265,793), Saudi Arabia (217,656) and Egypt (197,193),” WAM reported.

Abu Dhabi’s five airports reported 10,982,114 passengers by September 30, 2022, which is the equivalent of passenger traffic in 2020 and 2021 combined, the report said, saying Abu Dhabi Airports expected to close 2022 with an excess of 15 million passengers.

“These figures are a demonstration of how the aviation industry has recovered remarkably,” Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, MD and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said.

“New airlines and air routes continue to be attracted to Abu Dhabi, while new and improved services have played a prominent role in accommodating the expected surging demand head-on. For Abu Dhabi Airports, 2022 has been a year of sustained momentum, maintaining a level of excellence that we will carry forward to Q4.”

Third-quarter statistics confirm that 49,046 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) were recorded across the five airports, a 35 percent increase from 36,367 ATMs in Q3 2021 “in a clear demonstration of network and passenger growth.”

These flights were conducted between more than 100 passenger destinations on 23 airlines.

The busiest destinations served during Q3 included London Heathrow (232,002), Mumbai International (155,294), Delhi International (130,723), Cairo International (118,885) and Kochi International Airport (101,828).


Pakistan defeat Japan to qualify for Hockey World Cup after eight years

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Pakistan defeat Japan to qualify for Hockey World Cup after eight years

  • The national side was trailing 3-1 in the third quarter and smashed three goals in last nine minutes of the final quarter
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif tells Pakistan players ‘you can win the World Cup by playing with same hard work, determination’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan defeated Japan 4-3 in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifier in Egypt on Friday, qualifying for this year’s World Cup.

Pakistan’s victory at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium has earned them a place in the World Cup after eight years. Belgium and the Netherlands will co-host the tournament in Aug.

The Pakistan hockey team has not qualified for the last three Olympics and were ranked 12th when they last played a World Cup in 2018, despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated the Pakistani side for securing a place in the upcoming World Cup, promising his government support to the players.

“You can win the World Cup by playing with the same hard work and determination,” he said in a statement. “The government will provide you with all the facilities. Your full attention should be focused on outstanding performance in the game.”

The national side, led by Ammad Butt, was trailing 3-1 in the third quarter of Friday’s match against Japan, when it smashed three goals in the last nine minutes of the final quarter to clinch victory.

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari called the win a “message of encouragement for hockey revival in Pakistan.”

“Sports play an important role in promoting national unity, discipline and a healthy society,” he said, stressing the need to promote hockey and football across the country.

Pakistan’s hockey journey is marked by past glory and ongoing efforts to revive the sport. Once a dominant force with three Olympic golds in 1960, 1968 and 1984 along with four World Cups in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994, the country was known for its legendary players like Shahbaz Ahmed and Samiullah Khan.

However, poor management, lack of infrastructure and the rise of cricket from the late 1990s led to a decline. The failure to adapt to modern demands, including fitness and artificial turfs also further deepened the crisis.