Dubai — Airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East are set to undergo sweeping upgrades and expansion projects, with a staggering $240 billion earmarked for development over the next decade. The ambitious investment aims to accommodate surging passenger numbers and rising cargo volumes, according to the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East (ACI APAC & MID).
Representing more than 600 airports across 46 countries and territories, the ACI revealed that the planned infrastructure developments will create capacity for an additional 1.24 billion passengers and 71 million tonnes of cargo—the equivalent of adding over 13 airports the size of Dubai International Airport and nearly 14 times the cargo throughput of Hong Kong International Airport, currently the world’s busiest cargo hub.
“This investment marks a critical step in transforming the aviation sector and delivering a high-quality experience to passengers,” said Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East. “However, infrastructure development alone is not enough. Continued support from governments to liberalise air transport and streamline visa policies is essential to unlocking the full potential of growth.”
Breakdown of the Investment
The development blueprint, based on a survey of over 30 regional airports, includes a balanced focus on both upgrading existing airports and building entirely new ones:
- Brownfield projects (modernising current facilities) will absorb $136 billion, generating capacity for an extra 680 million passengers and 14 million tonnes of cargo annually.
- Greenfield projects (constructing new airports) will take up $104 billion, adding capacity for 562 million passengers and a significant 57 million tonnes of cargo each year.
Will Travel Costs Rise?
As airports gear up for major expansion, concerns around rising costs are also surfacing. ACI has acknowledged that airport charges may need to be adjusted to help operators recoup investments while maintaining service quality. However, the association emphasised that any adjustments must balance financial sustainability with affordability for airlines and passengers.
“We must ensure these investments are financially viable while still encouraging air travel,” said Baronci. “Protectionist policies will only hinder progress, while open skies and visa reforms are proven accelerators of economic development.”
Aviation Growth Outlook
The upgrades come at a time when the aviation industry in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East is poised for unprecedented growth. By 2053, airports in the regions are expected to serve nearly 11 billion passengers, nearly tripling the current count of 3.9 billion in 2024.
SGK Kishore, President of ACI APAC & MID, highlighted the broader impact of the investments:
“This $240 billion commitment isn’t just about concrete and runways. It’s about unlocking socio-economic growth. Enhancing passenger experiences will stimulate tourism and business travel, while improved cargo capabilities will streamline supply chains and boost regional trade.”
As governments and airport authorities move forward with their infrastructure plans, the aviation sector is gearing up to play an even more vital role in regional economic development and global connectivity.
