The Middle East aviation market size is due to reach $33.70 billion by 2029 and airports in the region are due to spend $151 billion on the expansion of their capacity and the enhancement of passenger and cargo facilities, according to the latest report from the Airports Council International (ACI) World.
The annual World Airport Traffic Report also reveals that the global airport investment is set to reach $2.4 trillion in 2040. As infrastructure and operations continue to evolve, the global airport industry, whose revenues are set to reach $194.4 billion in 2024, will continue exploring and acquiring best-in-class technology and automation solutions throughout 2025. This will also include qualitative improvements to passenger experiences and sustainability practices, including LEED certification acquisitions.
The ACI also expects global passenger traffic to increase by 10 percent to 9.5 billion in 2024. In 2023, traffic stood at 8.7 billion, reaching 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels. By the end of 2024, international passenger traffic will reach 4.1 billion, accounting for 43 percent of total passengers. Meanwhile, domestic passenger traffic will likely reach 5.4 billion, making up 57 percent of the total.
Over $1.3 trillion in expansion projects
The 24th edition of The Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Center will highlight the best and most effective ways for airports in the Middle East and the world to handle this fast-rising air traffic and the effective deployment of the newest technologies and innovations. Held from May 6 to 8, 2025, the event will offer industry stakeholders and professionals key networking and business opportunities. In addition, it will feature a large number of exhibitors from all over the world and four major co-located knowledge-enhancing conferences.
Commenting on the event, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and patron of The Airport Show, stated: “Airports are vital connectors and economic engines for communities and countries.”
He added that Dubai is investing $35 billion in the second phase of development of the Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC) to become the world’s largest airport with a capacity of up to 260 million passengers annually.
Airports across the region are also modernizing and expanding to meet growing demand, with a total project value of over $1.3 trillion across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Therefore, the Dubai Airport Show will serve as a vital stage for business growth and expansion in the airport industry.
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Middle East airports to handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040
By the mid-2030s, ICAO predicts that over 200,000 flights will take off and land daily all over the world. By 2036, the air transport industry will contribute $1.5 trillion to global GDP. In addition, airports in the Middle East will handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040, with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific accounting for 58 percent of global air passenger demand.
“The airport industry’s growth is very bright with ample growth opportunities for almost every stakeholder. Airports have remained steadfast in their commitment to a safe, sustainable, and thriving air travel sector. In the technology-driven era, the focus for airport operators is on thriving rather than simply surviving,” stated May Ismail, Event Manager at RX.
Ismail added that the Dubai Airport Show will remain a crucial platform in 2025 for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region as $1.3 trillion in airport development projects are readying to take off. “The B2B platform will facilitate global companies to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and innovations designed to enhance airport operations, facility expansion, safety enhancement, improve passenger experiences and sustainability, and widen automation,” she added.
