Aviation security on high with massive Middle East airports expansion

The Arabian Gulf states with expanding airports are investing massively in security to eliminate potential risks and threats for enhanced passenger experience. As demand for air travel continues to grow year-on-year, governments and aviation enforcement authorities face the need to adopt strict safety measures countering risks and threats.

The global aviation security market, according to industry estimates, is worth over US$22 billion. Keeping with this growing concern, Dubai International Airport has more than 4000 security personnel and over 7000 advanced cameras – and it is still expanding, even with the new Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central (DWC).

Mohammed Ahli, director general, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), said: “Aviation security is not, and should not be, of a transit nature, but a constantly evolving requirement. An airport is always judged by its security and service standards. It’s crucial to adopt innovative technology, improve security and streamline efficiencies to offer a seamless passenger travel experience.”

These pertinent issues will be discussed and deliberated at the forthcoming Airport Show 2014 to be held in Dubai from 11-13 May 2014. The event is supported by DCAA, Dubai Airports and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) among others.

These security issues are increasing with Gulf airports aiming at 450 million passengers a year by 2020. GCC airports recorded a 10% CAGR in air traffic in the past decade. Total aircraft movements in the region, encompassing six states are projected to cross the 2.3 million mark by 2025. Dubai, which is expected to handle 65 million passengers this year, is close to becoming the world’s top airport for international passengers by 2015. Abu Dhabi is building a new US$3 billion international airport terminal.