The Week In Travel

Dubai International Airport has reported 2023 passenger numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with over 86 million travellers passing through the airport. This number is a 31.7% increase in traffic compared to 2022, and was driven by a strong second half of the year with the airport recording its busiest month in August. Despite these figures not quite setting a new record, projections for 2024 anticipate passenger numbers nearing 88.8 million.

Staying in the UAE, Emirates has announced plans for its fourth route to South America, with daily flights to Bogotá launching on 3rd June. Bogotá will join Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires as Emirates’ fourth South American route, and according to the airline “will establish a historic first-ever link between the greater Middle East region and the northern part of the South American continent”.

Over in Europe, Vienna Airport has launched a €420m terminal expansion project to increase retail options and expand security. The Southern Terminal Expansion will add 10,000m² retail space, 6,000m² lounge space, and a new centralised security checkpoint. The project is set to be completed in 2027, enhancing passenger experience with increased options and efficiency.

In sustainability news, Singapore has unveiled plans that will require the mandatory use of SAF on all flights departing the country by 2026. The Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint outlines an initiative to reduce aviation emissions by 20% in 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Other elements of the document include SAF targets and collaboration with Changi Airport Group for solar power and clean-energy vehicles, fostering growth and environmental sustainability.

And finally, a group of intrepid explorers are getting ready to take a plane ride into the unknown. Wizz Air is flying competition winners from London Gatwick to a mystery destination as part of the airline’s #LetsGetLostwithWIZZ campaign, offering no clues as to where in the world they might end up. With no indication given on the location’s climate or the activities they’ll be getting up to, the travellers will be crossing their fingers that they packed accordingly!