The 24th edition of Airport Show kicks off on Wednesday, May 7, at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together top aviation experts, airport operators, tech innovators, and government officials for the region’s largest airport industry event.

The show runs until May 8, serving as the premier B2B platform for the airport sector across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA).

What to Expect at the Show

• 140+ exhibitors from over 20 countries
• 50+ hosted buyers from 70 organisations
• Over 6,000 visitors expected
• Focus areas: passenger experience, air traffic management, digitalisation, sustainability, and urban air mobility

Key global aviation brands like Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Siemens and ADB SAFEGATE will unveil next-gen airport technologies across dedicated zones such as the GSE Zone, Airport Tech Pavilion, and Airport Design Hub.

Dubai’s Aviation Growth Sets the Tone

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline & Group, highlighted Dubai International Airport (DXB)’s ongoing success as the world’s busiest for international passengers for 11 years running. He also pointed to the upcoming expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) as a game-changer for future airport design and capacity.

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, praised the show for driving global collaboration in aviation.

Airport Projects Worth Billions

The event shines a spotlight on the $1 trillion airport development market in the MEASA region:

• Middle East airports to handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040
• Africa has 24 active projects worth $2.3 billion
• South Asia, led by India, plans 220+ new airports by 2035
• Major projects include the $35 billion DWC expansion in Dubai and the $50 billion new airport in Riyadh

By 2050, Middle Eastern airports will need $151 billion in investments to meet growing passenger demand.

Conference Highlights

The show also hosts two major conferences:

• Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) – 12th edition
• Women in Aviation Middle East Conference

With 30+ sessions and 70 expert speakers, topics will span future-ready infrastructure, engineering, air traffic systems, and gender diversity in aviation.