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1/16/25, 4:31 PM Dubai Airport Show to showcase new technologies in aviation
The Middle East is poised for a significant surge in air travel, with passenger traffic expected to increase
by 300% by 2040, reaching 1.1 billion. This growth is accompanied by the need for a massive $151 billion
investment to expand airport capacities.
Region’s aviation market
By 2029, the region’s aviation market is projected to hit $33.7 billion, underscoring the tremendous
potential for growth. The global aviation industry as a whole is expected to see 20 billion passengers by
2042, with international passenger traffic accounting for 45% of this growth. In Africa, air passenger
numbers are set to double by 2040, with over $32 billion in investments required to upgrade the
continent’s airports.
Two major airport projects in the Middle East are leading the way: in Dubai, the construction of the
world’s largest airport terminal, a $35 billion project, is underway, set to handle up to 300 million
passengers annually by 2030.
In Saudi Arabia, the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, a $50 billion project, is also on track to
become the largest airport in the world by 2030, with a capacity of 185 million passengers. These two
projects alone account for nearly 80% of the airport development spending in the Middle East and North
Africa region. Other significant developments include the New Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia, which will
increase its capacity tenfold, and Sharjah International Airport in the UAE, which is set to complete major
expansions by 2026.
The growth of the aviation sector in the Middle East is not limited to airport development. Regional
airlines are also making significant strides. In 2023, the ten largest airlines in the Middle East placed
orders for 795 new aircraft, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the rising demand for air travel. The
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