Image source: Wikipedia
The Middle East aviation market is expected to be worth $33.7 billion by 2029, with airports investing $151 billion to expand capacity and upgrade passenger cargo By 2040, it is expected that aircraft position investment would reach $2.4 billion worldwide, driven by policies, sustainability, new technology and enhanced passenger experience.
Global developments in aviation
According to Airports Council International (ACI), global passenger traffic is expected to grow by 10% by 2024, reaching 9.5 billion passengers, up from 8.7 billion in 2023, recovering to 95% of pre-pandemic levels. International traffic will account for 43% (4.1 billion) of the total, while domestic flights will make up 57% (5.4 billion).
Airport development in the Middle East
The Middle East is seeing significant expenditures in airport infrastructure. For example, Dubai is investing $35 billion to build Al Maktoum International Dubai World Central (DWC), which will eventually become the world’s largest airport, capable of accommodating 260 million passengers annually.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airlines and Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, stressed the importance of airports as regional economic hubs and links. Dubai’s investment in DWC signals the region’s aspirations to become a hub for international aviation.
The 2025 Airport Show, taking place May 6–8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will bring together industry leaders to discuss innovative ways to handle increasing passenger numbers and operational challenges. With 160 exhibitors and over 6,000 participants expected, the show will also feature four important conferences:
1. Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF)
2. Airport Security Middle East
3. ATC Forum
4. Women in Aviation (WIA)
May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, noted that the show will be a key platform for industry stakeholders to explore the latest technologies and innovations driving the airport sector toward a sustainable, technology-powered future.
A Bright Future for Aviation
By 2040, Middle East airports are estimated to carry 1.1 billion people per year, accounting for 58% of worldwide air passenger demand from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projects that by the mid-2030s, over 200,000 aircraft would take off and land each day around the world, with the aviation industry contributing $1.5 trillion to global GDP by 2036.
As airports shift to post-digital operations, the passenger experience will be changed. Automation, new security measures, and a stronger emphasis on sustainability will change the way we travel. According to SITA, a worldwide IT provider for the aviation industry, 83% of airport IT leaders are focusing on demographic transitions, with the goal of providing passengers with a more hands-on and automated travel experience.
With all these advancements, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the global airport industry and the Middle East
For more updates follow Aviation Today!
