Middle East Airports Expanding in a Fast-forward Mode to Handle Zooming Passenger Numbers

ABU DHABI, UAE - Feb. 26, 2024 - PRLog -- The global civil aviation industry, rebounding from the most severe decline in passenger numbers due to the 21st century's second pandemic, is now preparing for a significant surge in air travel until 2030 through expansions and redevelopments. The Middle East Aviation Market, valued at US$60 billion in 2023, is anticipated to rise substantially by 2030, with a 26 percent-plus growth in air connectivity seen in 2022 compared to 2019.

Projections indicate that Middle Eastern airports will handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040, necessitating around US$151 billion in capacity expansion. With over 110 airports, the region ranks among the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

In mid-May 2024, Dubai will host the world's largest annual event dedicated to the global airports industry, welcoming airport developers, officials, and suppliers worldwide. The 23rd edition of this three-day B2B event at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will feature more than 150 exhibitors from over 20 countries and 7,500 visitors from over 30 countries, alongside co-located events like the ATC Forum and Airport Security Middle East.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, highlighted the event's significance in showcasing innovations in airport sustainability, digitalization, and urban air mobility.

Organized by RX, the show is supported by key players in the aviation industry, including the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Dubai Airports.

May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, expressed optimism, noting the rapid pace of growth and expansion projects worldwide. She emphasized the renewed momentum in airport development initiatives.

According to a CAPA report, there are 425 major construction projects at existing airports worldwide, with investments totaling US$450 billion. About 68 percent of these projects focus on terminals, either expansions or new developments. The global airport construction market grew to US$1.14 trillion in 2023, projected to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2030.

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for nine consecutive years, is undergoing significant expansions. Similarly, Sharjah International Airport has commenced a terminal expansion, while King Abdelaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major expansion to become one of the world's largest airports.

Furthermore, airports in Oman anticipate 40 million passengers by 2030, while Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, India, and the Maldives are all pursuing expansion projects.

Asia-Pacific leads in airport infrastructure projects, with over half of new airport construction and existing airport developments occurring in this region.

As airports evolve, they become core drivers of industry-wide change, as highlighted in a study by Oliver Wyman, Airports Council International (ACI) World, and the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC).