The Middle East registered strong air service growth in September, up 11%, spurred by increased flights to a number of Asian and European destinations, according to OAG, the global leader in aviation intelligence.
In its monthly 'Frequency and Capacity Trend Statistics' report, OAG said that Dubai International Airport was a strong contributor to the growth, increasing 14% in seat capacity, year over year.
September seat capacity and frequency in the Middle East increased 11%, both within and to and from the region, it added. The total seat capacity to and from the region increased to 11.65 million, from 10.5 million a year ago; and the total number of seats available within the region grew to 7.02 million from 6.31 million.
The OAG report pointed out that for the first time Dubai's capacity surpassed the capacity constrained New York's JFK.
Worldwide, seat capacity increased 8% in September to 319.48 million seats, an increase of 22.56 million seats. Frequency is scheduled to grow 6 per cent, to a total 2.55 million flights, an increase of 151,257 monthly flights. Air service growth is reflected in every region of the world, again this month, it added.
Much of this growth comes from increased seats and flights to the Middle East and Asia, including flights to and from Abu Dhabi (21%), Doha (28%), and Tokyo (12%).