The aviation industry in the Middle East is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, with billions of dollars being invested in cutting-edge airport infrastructure and expansion projects. As the region continues to position itself as a global aviation hub, Airport Show 2025, taking place in Dubai from May 6–8, 2025, presents a crucial opportunity for industry leaders, suppliers, and professionals to explore the latest innovations and business opportunities.
Outlook for Aviation in the Middle East
Middle Eastern airports are projected to require $151 billion in investments by 2040 to accommodate a surge in annual passenger numbers to 1.1 billion, according to industry experts. This marks the region’s most ambitious aviation expansion to date.
Key Projects Driving Regional Growth
- Dubai: A $35 billion transformation of Al Maktoum International Airport is underway to make it the world’s largest, capable of handling 260 million passengers annually.
- Saudi Arabia: The $50 billion King Salman International Airport aims to accommodate 300 million passengers annually by 2030, setting a new benchmark for capacity.
- Gulf Region: Analytics firm Global Data reports that 48 airport renovation and expansion projects, valued at $182.6 billion, are in progress across the Arabian Gulf.
Industry-Wide Optimism
This expansion aligns with forecasts predicting global air passenger traffic to reach 20 billion by 2042 and nearly 25 billion by 2052. The Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions are poised to account for 58% of global air passenger demand by 2040, as outlined by ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts.
Airlines and Profit Growth
Regional airlines are capitalizing on the travel boom:
- The Middle East’s 10 largest airlines have ordered 795 aircraft for delivery by 2029.
- In 2024, carriers earned $23.1 profit per passenger, three times the global average.
- Projected net profits for Middle Eastern airlines:
- $3.1 billion in 2023
- $5.3 billion in 2024
- $5.9 billion in 2025
- Profit per passenger is forecast to reach $23.9 in 2025, far surpassing the global average of $7.
Additional Upgrades Across the Region
- Kuwait: A new triangular terminal is set to open by 2025.
- Sharjah: The international airport’s terminal expansion is expected to be completed by 2026.
The ambitious expansion initiatives reflect the region’s confidence in sustained aviation growth, ensuring it remains a key player in the future of global air travel.
A Premier Platform for Industry Collaboration
Bringing together over 160 international suppliers – of which more than 22 Italian companies – and manufacturers from 20 countries, Airport Show 2025 will showcase the latest technological advancements designed to enhance airport efficiency, security, and sustainability. More than 6,500 professionals and key decision-makers will convene at the event, offering unmatched networking opportunities and insights into emerging industry trends.
Complementing the exhibition, co-located events such as the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum and the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference and Awards will add further value, facilitating discussions on policy, leadership, and innovation within the sector.
Meet the Italian companies in the Italian Pavilion
A-ICE SRL
AVIOGEI AIRPORT EQUIPMENT
CE2K Srl
CIAS ELETTRONICA S.R.L.
DATALOGIC SRL
ENAV S.P.A.
ENTER MED S.R.L
EWO SRL/GMBH
FAAC SPA
FIBRE NET SPA
FLEX INDUSTRIES SRL
GENERAL SECURITY ITALY S.R.L.
ITALCER S.p.A SB
LEONARDO SPA
NAITEC SRL
OCEM Airfield
ONE WORKS SPA
POLTRONA FRAU
RECO 3.26 SRL
RODECO GROUP S.R.L.
SOFTECH S.R.L.
TRATOS CAVI -S.P.A.-
Why Attend?
Airport Show 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with key players in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and discuss with Air Tech Italy Members how they can support your projects in the region or beyond.
Whether you are an airport operator, technology provider, or service company, participating in this event will provide insights into regional projects, foster new partnerships, and open doors to business expansion and we are open for business.
Join us in Dubai from May 6–8, 2025, and be part of the future of aviation. Come and visit this Air Tech Italy webpage on a regular basis for more details. Check also the event website here.