Aviation360 MEA

The Middle East is dominating the traffic figures in terms of recovering globally at 93% of the pre-2019 levels, and very soon Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia will cross the 100% recovery, according to the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), which recently celebrated its milestone 10th edition.

In the Middle East, passenger traffic will fully recover in 2024 and expand 4.2% annually until 2040.

Kashif Khalid, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa, International Air Transport Association (IATA), stated the aviation industry recovery is on track with a solid start to 2023 during a presentation at the GALF, which was held in conjunction with the 22nd edition of Airport Show in Dubai.

In his keynote address Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said: “Our vision is to create a world class aviation eco system that embraces cutting edge technology, fosters innovation, promotes sustainability and delivers an exceptional customer experience. To achieve this vision, we have made significant investments in modernising our infrastructure, upgrading our regulatory framework and enhancing our operational capabilities.”

“Our industry is not without challenges from security threat, technology disruption, environmental concerns and evolving customer expectations. We must navigate rapidly in a changing landscape. We recognise the significance of aviation in our national development and we remain committed to positioning our airports and airlines in the forefront of global best practices,” he added.
“We have embraced digital transformation advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and blockchain to improve efficiency, enhance safety personalise passenger service.
“Sustainability lies at the heart of our approach we are aware of the environmental impact of the aviation industry and the urgent need to mitigate through strategic partnership and collaboration and eco-friendly practices across our airports and airlines. We are committed to reduce our carbon footprint and being responsible custodian of the environment,” he added.
Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), said: “In recent years, our methods had evolved as challenges had been growing continuously post-pandemic. Dubai had overcome these challenges and become the hub of aviation and travellers in the shortest time ever.

‘’ The challenges could be successfully faced under the determined vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, and the empowering leadership of H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirate Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS).
“In fact, Dubai has always obtained a clear focus on the current challenges and foresighted the forthcoming new ones. We at dans are taking the lead in turning the challenges into innovations.”
“We have witnessed major technological developments in recent years, enabling us to increase the accuracy and efficiency of our air traffic control systems. We acknowledge that our success is not only credited to our cutting-edge technology but also to the devotion, forward-thinking and hard work of our skilled team of experts,” he added.
“We are convinced that our foresight and sustained efforts will result in even greater breakthroughs and innovations in global air traffic management. It such an event, we are delighted for being part of such a platform to network with our stakeholders across all industries to enable a wider spectrum of knowledge sharing. Thus, we are not here to highlight our brands only but to bring unity in overcoming potential challenges and collaborating for a brighter future,” he said.