While commercial aviation worldwide experiences a severe downturn in demand for air travel, the data of private aviation traffic shows a significant increase. One such sharp growth example appeared at the Dubai-based VIP terminal at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, where the index of the private and business jet traffic showed the highest results since July 2020, the government of Dubai revealed. 

The statistical data showed a double-digit growth of traffic of private and business jets in the VIP terminal, located near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), during Q3 2020. The recorded traffic amount reached 93% in comparison with the same period in 2019 and was the highest since July 2020, announced the government of Dubai in a press release published on October 20, 2020.

According to the government statement, the air travel demand in the private and business jet sector began climbing between May and June 2020. The government considered that the impact of such a sharp increase in travel could be related to medical and business-related jet movements completed “by VIPs and high-net-worth individuals.”

Another reason for significantly higher demand could appear in the UAE government‘s decision to ease the travel-related COVID-19 restrictions.

“By analyzing the numbers, it’s reassuring to see the return of private jet travel given the circumstance we are all experiencing“,  explained Tahnoon Saif, the Chief Executive Officer of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, in a statement.

The CEO explained that the measures taken by the government of the UAE to ease the COVID-19 restrictions played a specific role in the private aviation sector rebound.

“Dubai has always been a business and vacation destination for the world and measures taken by the UAE government as a whole and the VIP terminal at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in specific have only reinforced the commitment to the sector, cushioning VIP traveler movement and reinforcing visits to Dubai as well outbound international trips,” added Saif.

The VIP terminal of Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub is equipped with PCR Covid testing facilities, this solution could have encouraged the private aircraft traffic through the hub, reported a governmental statement. 

The government counted that aviation-related activities currently represent more than one-quarter of the Gross Domestic Product (GPD) in Dubai.