Emirates' growth helping Dubai International

The strong performance of Emirates in recent months has been cited as one of the major factors in the growth of Dubai International Airport.

New figures show that the gateway saw an 11.7 per cent increase in passenger traffic in October, with nearly 3.5 million travellers passing through.

Passenger figures exceeded 33.5 million during the first ten months of the year and the growth is set to continue, with more than 40 million expected to have used Dubai International by the end of 2009.

Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths said: "Our performance as one of the world's fastest growing airports is proof that it pays to invest in infrastructure and build capacity to support and stimulate economic activity.

"It is also evidence of the effectiveness of Dubai's integrated approach to air transport, trade and tourism."

The United Arab Emirates holiday hotspot is expected to continue its growth in 2010, with passenger traffic of more than 46 million people predicted at Dubai International and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International airports.