Page 15 - DAEP PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025

industry players from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with the participation of over 160
exhibitors from over 20 countries. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with participants
from different national pavilions and connect with numerous representatives the through the
renowned Business Connect Programme.

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 Airport Show, remarked: “Airports are vital connectors and economic engines for
communities and countries. By 2040, airports in the Middle East will handle 1.1 billion passengers.
Airports across the region are also modernizing and expanding to meet growing demand. The
Airport Show has remained a vital stage for business growth and expansion in the airport industry.”

The three-day show will have co-located conferences – the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF),
Airport Security Middle East, the ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA). The annual platform is
supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects,
Emirates Airlines, Dubai Air Navigation Services, and dnata.

In a report over the travel trends by 2050, ACI and global management consultancy Oliver Wyman
says the airport industry needs concerted investments in everything from green tech to biometrics
as the state of travel – and the way people move around the world – will change dramatically. It said:
“Advances in biometrics, AI, ML, 3D printing, and automation will disrupt traditional airport
operating models and transform the passenger experience while also enhancing efficiency. The
deployment of technology will provide the opportunity to rethink the internal design and layout of
airports.”

By 2030, wider implementation of biometrics is expected to replace paper passports, boarding
passes, and other travel documents such as visas. Paper baggage tags will be progressively
replaced by 2030, leveraging electronic luggage tags. 2030, AI and the IoT technology will be a core
part of airport operations. The year 2040 will be a decade away from the net-zero goal.

Find out more information about The Airport Show by clicking here.

https://www.firemiddleeastmag.com/airport-show-2025-to-reflect-the-pace-of-technological-
progress-at-airports/