Abu Dhabi International Airport will see eight percent departure growth. Image: AECOM

Abu Dhabi’s aviation industry is preparing for growth this year, with an expected eight percent rise in departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport in 2012 compared to 2011.

According to data from aviation intelligence provider, OAG Aviation, the UAE gateway is expected to see up to 54,600 flight departures throughout 2012, up from 50,700 last year.

The region’s seat capacity is also expected to spike by up to 12 percent from 8.9 million in 2011 to almost ten million, ahead of the six percent growth predicted for the entire Middle East aviation market.

According to research, Abu Dhabi’s growth is the result of ongoing success from UAE carrier, Etihad, which currently makes up 71 percent of the region’s market share.

Earlier this year Abu Dhabi played host to the largest annual aviation gathering, World Routes.