Dubai International Airport recorded a total of 47.2 million visitors last year, as the property continues its meteoric rise toward to the top of the global aviation sector.

The figure represents a 15.3 per cent increase on the total of 40.9 million recorded the previous year.

The figure was 2.4 per cent more than the 46.1 million originally projected for the year, according to the annual traffic report issued on Wednesday by Dubai Airports.

In terms of monthly traffic, the airport crossed the four million mark for the third consecutive month in December, and for the fourth time in 2010.

“The key to our success has been our coordinated and supportive approach to aviation,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

“Dubai has a model, unlike Europe and elsewhere, that recognises aviation’s strategic importance and promotes growth in the sector.

“It starts with an open skies policy, competitive rates and a tax-free environment that has attracted over 130 airlines to Dubai and extends to strategic investments in top-flight aviation infrastructure that promote high service standards and sustain rapid growth,’ Sheikh Ahmed explained.

In 2010 the prestigious World Travel Awards recognised the property as the Middle East’s Leading Airport.

Cargo

Dubai International also witnessed strong cargo traffic growth following a surge in air freight volumes during the first three quarters of the year as the global economy recovered and companies worldwide cleared inventories.

Annual cargo traffic rose to 2.27 million tonnes, a robust 17.7 per cent rise over the 1.93 million tonnes recorded in 2009, the data said.

“It was a year in which we celebrated many milestones,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports.

Griffiths went on to add he expected passenger numbers to surge another 11 per cent to 52.2 million during 2011.

“As a result, we have plans to boost capacity on the ground and in the air to ensure we can accommodate the growth while improving service across the airport,” concluded.