Emirates airlines carried 51.3 million passengers in 2015, up nine percent from last year, the company said Wednesday.

CEO Tim Clark said the year had seen "considerable growth" despite "the headwinds of regional conflict, unfavourable currency impact, and shaky business and consumer confidence in many global markets".

Emirates, the largest Middle East carrier, said it had added 26 new planes to its fleet this year, including 15 Airbus A380s and 10 Boeing 777s, bringing its total number of aircraft in service to 246.

Since its founding 30 year ago, Emirates has emerged as a major global carrier and now flies to 150 destinations. Its main base, Dubai International Airport, this year surpassed London's Heathrow as the world's top international travel hub.