Abu Dhabi: The 24th edition of Airport Show is set to open tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together aviation leaders, airport operators, technology providers, and government officials. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the event runs until 8th May and is recognized as the largest B2B airport industry platform in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).
According to Emirates News Agency, more than 140 exhibitors from over 20 countries will connect with 50-plus qualified buyers representing 70 organizations from 30 countries. Over 6,000 visitors are expected to explore innovations in passenger experience, air traffic management, carbon reduction, digitalization, and urban air mobility.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the consistent growth of Dubai International Airport (DXB), which has retained its position as the world's busiest for international passengers for 11 consecutive years, emphasizing Dubai's global aviation leadership. He noted that the planned expansion of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) will set new benchmarks in airport development.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Director-General Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi reaffirmed the authority's commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, emphasizing the show's role in fostering knowledge exchange across the global aviation community. The event supports the US$1 trillion airport development market in the MEASA region, with airports in the Middle East forecast to handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040.
Across Africa, 24 airport projects valued at $2.3 billion are underway, with Ethiopia planning a new airport to serve 60 million passengers annually by 2040. Rwanda is building a $650 million airport in Kigali, while South Asia, led by India, is expanding its aviation infrastructure with plans for over 220 new airports by 2035.
Two major regional projects dominate spending: the $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport expansion and the $50 billion airport in Riyadh, which together represent nearly 80 percent of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) airport development costs.
The show's conferences include the 12th Global Airport Leaders' Forum (GALF) and the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference, featuring more than 30 sessions and 70 expert speakers. GALF will host keynotes from senior aviation leaders, including the Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Director of Engineering at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects.
New features this year include the GSE Zone, Airport Tech Pavilion, and Airport Design Hub, with industry leaders like Honeywell, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and ADB SAFEGATE showcasing next-generation airport technologies.
Airport Show 2025 benefits from strong support by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline and Group, dnata, and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. Amadeus serves as the event's Strategic Partner, and Schneider Electric as its Technology Partner. Waisl, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Smiths Detection, and ADB SAFEGATE join as sponsors, with collaborations from the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter and the Supply Chain and Logistics Group.
By 2050, Middle Eastern airports will require $151 billion in investment to manage a projected rise in passenger numbers. In 2024, regional airlines saw a 9.4 percent increase in traffic and an 80.8 percent load factor.