Abu Dhabi airport Duty Free revenue up 19%

Monday, Aug 09, 2010

Gulf News

Outperforms passenger growth in same time

Duty Free Revenue continues to outpace passenger growth at Abu Dhabi International Airport

First half retail turnover of US $75 million up 19%

Dubai Duty Free retail turnover at Abu Dhabi International Airport grew by 19 per cent in the first half of 2010 to $75 million (Dh275.42 million), outperforming the airport’s passenger growth of 11.7 per cent in the same period, a statement said.

What’s more, spending per passenger increased by 7.2 per cent to $14.47.

Huraiz Almur Bin Huraiz, Abu Dhabi Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Retail spending at our airport is significantly stronger than passenger growth, a clear sign that we’re succeeding in encouraging travellers to spend more.

“We believe two key trends are at play: firstly consumer confidence is returning, following the impact of the global econ-omic recession and, secondly, ADAC’s investment programme in Terminal 1 and the upgraded retail offerings in Terminal 3 are delivering results.

“Our Shop-Dine-Unwind retail proposition is really reaching out to our customers.”

All categories have performed strongly, with Luxury, Perfume and Cosmetics, alcohol, gold and electronics getting particularly strong returns.

Analysts say the revenue, still in its early stages of development, will grow as air traffic through Abu Dhabi International Airport continues to grow.

“Retail spending... is significantly stronger than passenger growth, a clear sign that we are succeeding in encouraging travellers to spend.”

Huraiz Almur Bin Huraiz

Chief Commercial Officer

Staff Report