Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum confirms continued investment in Dubai Airports

A total of $17.2bn has been earmarked for expansion.

Sheikh Ahmed while attending the Paris Airshow, said:

"These are challenging times for aviation. Passenger and cargo traffic has dropped off dramatically in most parts of the world leading to billions in industry losses."

"Dubai has been a beacon of light during these turbulent times. During the first quarter Dubai Airports recorded 2.1% passenger traffic growth. That increased to 6.5% in April and 7.1% in May. In total Dubai International forecasts a 4 to 5% increase in passenger traffic for the first half of this year. This is a welcome sign that the worst of this crisis may be behind us. It also sends a clear signal that our long-term strategy is on track," he added.

Dubai Airport investment

Dubai Airports has invested $7.2bn expanding Dubai International. This includes Terminal 3 and the second concourse, which opened in October 2008 increasing the airport's overall capacity to 60 million passengers per annum as well as construction on Concourse 3, due for completion at the end of 2011, which will boost total airport capacity to 75 million passengers per annum.

Another $10bn has been allocated for the construction of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International.

Dubai World Central largest airport in the world

Upon completion it will be the largest airport in the world with capacity for 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum.

The first phase is due to open in June 2010.

Currently over 100,000 travellers pass through Dubai International every day on more than 800 daily flights with at total of 39 million passengers projected for 2009.

130 airlines serve Dubai International Airport

Some 130 airlines fly out of Dubai International to over 200 worldwide destinations and that number is expected to increase.

"Our growth and development vision is based on Dubai's 2015 strategic plan and our commitment to this vision will help Dubai achieve an even higher international standing," said Sheikh Ahmed.

"Regardless of economic challenges, we must have the drive and perseverance to see our vision and strategy through. Our progress will be on full display during the Dubai Airshow taking place in November 2009."