Dubai cargo traffic up

DUBAI International Airport (DIA) has reported a 19.6 per cent increase in cargo traffic for April.

Year-to-date, cargo grew by 24.6 per cent to 715,628 tonnes compared to April 2009.

“So far we are outpacing our projections for 13.6 per cent growth during 2010,” said Paul Griffiths (right), chief executive officer, Dubai Airports. “And with the addition of a number of new destinations and services in the months ahead we are cementing our status as a leading international hub.”

DIA said it managed the growth despite the disruption in North and Western Europe caused by Iceland’s erupting volcano, which had a knock-on effect around the world.

“The volcanic ash cloud that grounded flights around the world for six days last month had a minimal impact on growth at Dubai International in April,” the Middle Eastern airport said in a statement.

Iceland is located just outside the Arctic Circle.