The global airport industry is poised for transformative advancements as it embraces cutting-edge technologies, sustainability practices, and enhanced passenger experiences.
With revenues projected to reach $194.4 billion in 2024, the sector will focus on deploying automation and ESG-focused solutions to tackle increasing air travel demand.
The Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts global passenger traffic to grow by 10% in 2024, hitting 9.5 billion passengers—up from 8.7 billion in 2023. Domestic traffic will dominate at 5.4 billion, while international travelers are set to reach 4.1 billion. Long-term projections anticipate 1.1 billion passengers in the Middle East by 2040, underscoring the region’s pivotal role in global aviation.
Dubai continues to lead the charge, with $35 billion earmarked for the second phase of Al Maktoum International Airport’s expansion, aiming to accommodate 260 million passengers annually. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that airports across the Middle East are modernizing, contributing to a $1.3 trillion investment across MEASA (Middle East, Africa, South Asia).
The 24th edition of the Airport Show, scheduled for May 6-8, 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre, will serve as a key platform for showcasing innovations in airport operations and passenger services. The event will host 160 exhibitors from over 20 countries, alongside four conferences, including the Global Airport Leaders Forum and Women in Aviation.
May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, highlighted the importance of technology-driven solutions, stating that airports must thrive in the face of surging air travel demand. Insights from SITA and Beumer Group further underscore the need for automation and sustainability to optimize operations and elevate passenger satisfaction.
As the industry moves from pre-digital to post-digital transformation, 2025 promises to be a record-breaking year, setting new benchmarks in innovation and passenger-centric services.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
