The airport automation market is expected to reach US$ 85bn by 2033
Airports worldwide, especially in the Middle East, are investing heavily in acquiring new technologies as they expand their capacities and upgrade facilities to remain at the competitive edge of the industry.
As the airports work their way to become multimodal mobility hubs, they are integrating digital platforms, hyper-personalizing passenger experiences, and adopting newer technologies for their processing and security systems, baggage handling systems, and flight information displays.
They are increasingly utilizing AI-driven analytics, biometric identification, and IoT integration. The ever-rising air travel demand has prompted them to enhance their efficiency levels and make their systems scalable to handle rising passenger flows and efficiently handle operational complexities, according to a press communication.
Key to success
Aviation industry technology giant SITA says the key to its success, now and in the near future, lies in adopting technologies like AI, Machine Learning, automation, and biometrics. The smart airports concept and digitalization have been helping them make their operations future-ready.
The global smart airport market size is projected to reach US$ 24.3bn by 2032. According to Ken Research, the Middle East smart airports market is expected to have an investment of US$ 30bn in the future.
The 25th edition of the Airport Show, one of the world’s largest B2B airport industry platforms taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 12 to 14 in 2026, will offer deep insights into the newest and future pipeline of technology and innovation across the entire airport ecosystem.
Patronage
The Airport Show will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. It will bring together more than 120 buyers from over 50 airports and aviation authorities from more than 30 countries. The three-day trade show will have over 150 exhibitors from across the world.
The Middle East posted an impressive 28 percent increase in overall connectivity. On average, connectivity across all airports rose by 14 percent. The Middle East has seen both intra-regional and intercontinental connectivity exceeding the pre-pandemic levels by a significant margin of 18 percent and 16 percent, respectively.
GALF
The Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) will take place on its sidelines, along with Airport Security Middle East, ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Forum as co-located conferences.
“Technology is no longer a collection of standalone tools but form part of the backbone of airport operations. As airports become smarter, greener, and more connected, their operations are getting reshaped,” stated May Ismail, Event Manager, RX Middle East, organizers of the Airport Show.
