The 24th edition of the Airport Show commenced today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event will bring together aviation leaders, airport operators, technology providers, and government officials from around the world. The show is expected to run until May 8 and is recognized as the largest B2B airport industry platform in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who holds multiple key roles including Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event will feature more than 140 exhibitors from over 20 countries. It is anticipated that more than 6,000 visitors will attend, including over 50 qualified buyers representing 70 organizations from 30 countries. The Airport Show will showcase innovations in areas such as passenger experience, air traffic management, carbon reduction, digitalization, and urban air mobility.

Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that the continued growth of Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its status as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for 11 consecutive years. He also mentioned the planned expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which aims to set new standards in airport development.

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, the Director-General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the authority’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. He noted that the Airport Show plays a significant role in promoting knowledge exchange among the global aviation community.

The event supports the US$1 trillion airport development market in the MEASA region, where airports are projected to handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040. In Africa, 24 airport projects valued at $2.3 billion are currently underway. Notably, Ethiopia is constructing a new airport expected to serve 60 million passengers annually by 2040, while Rwanda is investing $650 million in an airport in Kigali. South Asia, particularly India, is also focused on enhancing its aviation infrastructure, planning to open over 220 new airports by 2035.

Significant regional projects include the $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and the $50 billion airport development in Riyadh, which together account for nearly 80 percent of airport development costs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The show will host various conferences, including the 12th Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) and the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference, featuring more than 30 sessions and 70 expert speakers. Keynote addresses will be delivered by 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 for this year include the GSE Zone, Airport Tech Pavilion, and Airport Design Hub, where industry leaders such as Honeywell, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and ADB SAFEGATE will display next-generation airport technologies.

The Airport Show 2025 continues to receive strong support from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline and Group, dnata, and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. Amadeus serves as the event’s Strategic Partner, while Schneider Electric is the Technology Partner. Other sponsors include Waisl, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Smiths Detection, and ADB SAFEGATE, with collaborating associations like the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter and the Supply Chain and Logistics Group.

By 2050, Middle Eastern airports will need $151 billion in investment to accommodate a projected increase in passenger numbers. In 2024, regional airlines experienced a 9.4 percent rise in traffic and an 80.8 percent load factor.