Al Bateen Executive Airport announced 9 percent year-on-year growth in passenger traffic for 2015, surpassing its performance in 2014, according to official data. Arriving traffic totaled approximately 7,600 passengers in each of the final four months of 2015, with November witnessing the highest traffic, at almost 9,500, thanks to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One race).
Boasting two business aviation terminals, the airport saw just over 2,700 movements and a total of more than 43,000 passengers in 2015. It has ramp space for up to 90 private jets. Sheikh Zayed Terminal accounted for 80 percent of arriving passenger traffic, with the remainder passing through the former DhabiJet VIP Terminal, which has been rebranded under the name Munawala Ground Services.
“The steady influx of passengers at Al Bateen is testament to its world-class services, top-quality facilities and strategic location as the region’s only airport tailor-made for the business aviation industry,” Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi,chief operations officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said earlier this year.
“Al Bateen Airport is a fantastic airport. It is the only dedicated business airport in the Middle East. It is the jewel in the crown for Abu Dhabi. It houses the Royal Terminal and the Munawala FBO,” said Dr. Mark Pierotti, COO of Al Bateen-based Al Jaber Aviation, adding, “The commitment Abu Dhabi has to Al Bateen is enormous. There is still a little military activity, but Al Bateen is a dedicated executive airport with two FBOs, a larger presidential one and a smaller VIP facility. This is why we have not gone to DWC [Dubai World Central]. We are committed to Al Bateen.”
Al Bateen hosted the Abu Dhabi Air Expo in February, an inaugural business aviation event that also became noteworthy for the severe storms that battered aircraft and stands, leading to early closures on multiple days and minor damage to some aircraft.