Dubai Private Jet Traffic Up Nearly 80% In Q4 2020 As Tourists Flock To UAE
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Sun-seeking tourists escaping strict COVID lockdowns helped to boost private jet traffic in Dubai’s main business aviation hub late last year, according to new figures from Dubai South.
Total private jet movements in 2020 were up 21% compared to 2019, with most of the growth taking place in the final quarter of the year.
Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), at Dubai South, recorded a 78% surge in private jet traffic in Q4 compared to the same period in 2019. “It gives us immense pleasure to see the substantial increase in private jet travel across the VIP Terminal at MBRAH for the second consecutive quarter,” said Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub.
“This exceptional performance is due to, among many reasons, Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for tourists… and the UAE ranking among the top countries in the world in efficiently handling the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Dubai opened its borders earlier than a lot of popular tourist destinations, many of which are still in strict lockdowns. Tourism numbers in the emirate increased over the Christmas and New Year period with many people choosing to travel privately rather than on commercial airlines.
A large number of celebrities and social media influencers made the trip on chartered aircraft. A statement from the business jet hub said: “The services on offer at the VIP Terminal ensure minimal time is spent by travellers at the terminal, with more medical teams and PCR testing facilities added to accommodate the surging number of travellers.”
Aircraft movements at MBRAH declined at the height of the pandemic when the world was in lockdown but grew by double digits during Q3. Movements began climbing in May and mid-June before they eventually surpassed 2019’s performance during the summer months.
Source: Aviation Business ME