Dubai International Airport has surpassed JFK Airport in New York for the first time in terms of capacity.
The latest monthly frequency and capacity trend statistics report by OAG found strong air service growth to the Middle East, increasing 11% overall for September.
“Dubai International Airport is a strong contributor to that growth, increasing 14% in seat capacity, year over year,” the report said. “For the first time Dubai’s capacity has surpassed the capacity constrained New York’s JFK.”
Total seat capacity to and from the Middle East 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, according to OAG.
Dubai airport, which opened Emirates Terminal 3 two years ago, will open the fourth terminal in 2012. Worldwide, capacity is up by 8% this month to 319.48 million seats, an increase of 22.56 million seats year-on-year.