Dubai has confirmed that construction on the first phase of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion is progressing according to plan, with key delivery milestones achieved across multiple workstreams. Officials say preparations for upcoming contract awards have also been completed, keeping the project on track for operational launch in 2032 under its long-term master plan.

Significant progress has been recorded in enabling works, runway development, and early structural foundations for passenger terminals and concourses. The development is widely viewed as one of the emirate’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings, expected to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for aviation, trade, and logistics.

Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the teams overseeing the project under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He said the airport reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to build advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable economic expansion, global connectivity, and future competitiveness. He also linked the project to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), highlighting its role in attracting investment and expanding business opportunities.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said the project has now entered a major construction phase, describing it as a cornerstone in Dubai’s aviation and logistics strategy. He noted that around AED 13 billion worth of contracts are currently active, while additional strategic packages valued at more than AED 55 billion are being prepared for award. He added that the airport will be central to enhancing Dubai’s role in global trade, tourism, and transport connectivity.

Dubai Finance Director-General Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh described the development as a long-term sovereign investment designed to strengthen economic resilience and financial sustainability. He emphasized that the project reflects the government’s commitment to disciplined execution, governance standards, and building assets that generate lasting value for the economy.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the airport will form the backbone of Dubai’s future aviation system. He highlighted plans for a fully integrated operational model designed to handle strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic while improving efficiency through advanced systems and digital technologies.

According to Engineer Suzanne Al Anani, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, construction activity is accelerating across the site. She confirmed that more than 17,000 concrete piles have been installed and excavation works have exceeded 45 million cubic metres. She also said the second runway has been completed, with the existing runway being prepared for rehabilitation.

Work completed to date has surpassed 10 million labour hours over the past 15 months, with around 9,000 workers currently on site. That number is expected to peak at approximately 120,000 as construction scales up.

She added that several major packages will be awarded before the end of the year, including terminal substructure works, concourses, automated transport systems, baggage handling infrastructure, and supporting utilities such as power generation and district cooling. Additional façade and roofing contracts are also scheduled for award within the year.

Once fully completed, Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to become one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, with capacity for more than 260 million passengers annually and up to 12 million tonnes of cargo. The design includes five parallel runways, two passenger terminals, seven concourses, and over 430 aircraft stands, alongside an integrated automated people mover system linking all major zones.

The wider aviation development programme also includes upgrades at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. These projects aim to improve operational efficiency, expand capacity, and enhance passenger services across the network.

A total of AED 16 billion has been allocated for ongoing aviation infrastructure upgrades, with more than AED 7.5 billion already awarded in contracts. Officials say this continued investment reflects Dubai’s long-term commitment to maintaining its position as a leading global aviation centre.

Source: ZAWYA

Heathrow Airport has reported a decline in passenger numbers for May, even as the hub recorded its busiest ever day for the month during the same period.

A total of 7.1 million passengers travelled through the airport’s four terminals in May, representing a 1.2% decrease compared with the same month last year. UK passenger traffic fell by 1.9%, while numbers from the Middle East dropped sharply by 31%, reflecting continued disruption linked to the ongoing Iran war and its effects on global travel demand.

Despite the overall decline, performance improved compared with April, when Heathrow recorded a 5.3% year-on-year fall and cited “short-term disruption” caused by the conflict.

The airport said it handled its highest daily traffic for May on 22 May, when 262,000 passengers passed through its terminals at the start of the UK school half-term holiday period.

Heathrow, which recently marked its 80th anniversary, also confirmed that it is continuing with infrastructure investment plans. These include upgrades to car parks and check-in facilities at Terminal 4 as part of wider development works aimed at improving passenger experience and operational capacity.

Source: RTÉ

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward expanding its aviation infrastructure after Matarat Holding and the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) announced the launch of a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the new Taif International Airport.

The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework using a build-transfer-operate (BTO) contract. The agreement will run for 30 years, including the construction phase, and is open to participation from private-sector investors and operators.

The airport development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate growth in the aviation industry and strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a global logistics and transportation hub. Through the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The new airport will be constructed approximately 21 kilometres southeast of the current Taif Airport. Once operational, the facility is expected to handle around 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

According to Matarat Holding, the proposed design includes a runway connected to a full-length parallel taxiway and a commercial apron serving airport operations. The development will also feature a modern passenger terminal designed to meet projected demand, alongside supporting infrastructure such as utility systems, operational facilities, parking areas, and access roads.

Plans for the airport include provisions for future expansion to accommodate additional subsystem requirements and support long-term growth. Matarat Holding stated that the facility is being designed to address anticipated passenger demand through 2055.

The airport is also expected to support Umrah travel by serving as an alternative gateway within the region’s multi-airport network. This system includes King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, and Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu.

Officials said the project is expected to contribute to the economic development of Taif and surrounding areas while enhancing passenger services through efficient operations and modern airport facilities, in line with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy.

Source: ZAWYA

Dammam Airports Company (DACO) has entered into a series of strategic contracts valued at more than SAR 1.2 billion ($317 million) aimed at strengthening infrastructure and operational performance at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

The agreements are part of a wider transportation development programme exceeding SAR 3 billion, signed in the presence of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province.

A major component of the contracts focuses on the development of a new power station along with a medium-voltage electricity distribution system at the airport. The initiative is intended to reinforce the airport’s energy infrastructure and support its long-term operational needs.

DACO stated that these projects align with its broader strategic plan to enhance airport facilities, improve reliability across operations, and accommodate expected growth in passenger volumes and aviation activity in the coming years.

The scope of work also includes the modernisation of King Fahd International Airport’s existing electrical network. This upgrade is expected to improve system resilience, increase capacity, and ensure smoother support for future expansion plans.

In addition, DACO has awarded a separate contract for the rehabilitation of the northern access road to the airport, including the route connecting King Fahd International Airport to Safwa Bridge.

This transport upgrade aims to improve road safety, ease traffic congestion, and provide more efficient access for travellers and airport users.

Source: ZAWYA

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN