Dubai's Airport Show to become world's largest as regional growth hits new high

The Gulf countries account for $43bn of this growth, with $21bn worth of development now under way in the UAE where Dubai's annual airport industry exhibition is set to become the largest in the world in 2008.

The pattern of regional airport expansion, fuelled by strong economic growth and increased passenger traffic, is highlighted in research conducted by Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Airport Show which takes place at Airport Expo Dubai from 2-4th June.

The figures highlight a massive phase of airport construction and expansion through the Gulf countries, and in Jordan, Iraq, India, Sri Lanka and across the African continent.

Heading the list at $10bn is the new Al Maktoum International Airport at Jebel Ali, UAE - to become the largest airport in the world and handling 120 million passengers annually - followed by the development of Abu Dhabi International Airport at $6.8bn and Qatar's $5.5bn New Doha International Airport.

Other major developments include Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Aziz, Madinah and Tabuk Airports at a total cost of $11.3bn, along with the modernisation of smaller airports in India at $4bn, and further projects worth $3.5bn and $2bn respectively in Libya and Baghdad.

"The Gulf region alone now has airport developments and expansions worth in excess of $43bn under way," said Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group.

"This is reflected in the continuing growth of the Airport Show, which will be the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services show to be staged anywhere in the world this year."

Webb said exhibition sales are currently up 51% compared with last year, and the 2008 event is expected to feature a record line-up of more than 550 exhibitors taking up more than 17,000 sqm of exhibition space, with 12 national pavilions representing countries including the UK, Germany, France, Singapore, China, Australia and New Zealand.

"The exhibition presents an outstanding opportunity for airport contractors and suppliers, looking to capitalise on the regional airport boom," Webb added.

Now in its 8th year, the Airport Show is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.

The event will attract a targeted audience of civil aviation departments, government officials, consultants and contractors behind many of the region's airport developments as well as ground handlers, security personnel and airline representatives.

New this year will be a dedicated section for Air Traffic Control, Ground Handling and Aviation Security Middle East, plus the launch of a world class Airport Show Conference.