Global Airports Forum Set to Double in Size for 2025 Edition

Global Airports Forum, formerly known as the Saudi Airports Exhibition (SAE), is set to double in size for its fourth edition, making it the largest event in its history. The event will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center on December 16–17, 2025, covering 15,000 square meters and featuring 300 global exhibitors and over 10,000 attendees. This expansion reinforces its position as a premier platform for the airport and aviation industry in the region.

The Global Airports Forum conference will host several concurrent events, including the Global Aviation Issues Conference, the General Assembly of Women in Aviation, and the Airport Excellence Awards, with participation from over 100 international speakers. Additionally, more than 5,000 pre-scheduled meetings between exhibitors and buyers will take place, fostering collaboration and business opportunities in the sector.

The 2024 edition of the exhibition was a resounding success under the theme “Expansion, Innovation, and Collaboration,” with sponsorship from Matarat Holding – an arm of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) – and several leading local and global aviation companies. The event attracted over 7,000 aviation professionals and 250 exhibitors from 22 countries, including major firms specializing in airport management, ground handling, security, and aviation technology. The exhibition received highly positive feedback, with 99% of exhibitors affirming its importance for their businesses, and 91% expressing their intention to participate in the 2025 edition.

Saudi Arabia is executing a massive airport expansion and modernization program with $147 billion in investments, expected to contribute $82.3 billion to the GDP by 2037. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) aims to increase air connectivity to 250 destinations, boost annual passenger numbers to 330 million by 2030, and double air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons per year. These developments are crucial as the Kingdom prepares to host several major global events, including the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, the Asian Winter Games in 2029, Expo 2030 in Riyadh, and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Among the key projects currently underway:

• King Salman International Airport (Riyadh): One of the world’s largest airports, targeting 100 million passengers annually by 2030, with future expansions increasing capacity to 185 million passengers by 2050.
• AlUla International Airport: Undergoing expansion to accommodate 2 million visitors by 2035.
• Privatization of Abha and Taif Airports: With $1 billion in investments, increasing Taif Airport’s capacity to 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

Additionally, several regional and international airports across the kingdom are undergoing expansion and modernization to support Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation sector.

This year will also mark the launch of Riyadh Air’s first commercial flights. The airline has already placed an order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and is preparing for another major aircraft deal in 2025, as it gears up to operate flights to over 100 destinations worldwide.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector saw significant growth in 2024, with Saudia Airlines transporting over 35 million passengers and Flyadeal and Flynas setting new records in passenger numbers and flight operations.

Daksha Patel, Director of Niche Ideas, the event organizer, commented: “The pace of transformation in the aviation sector across the region is unprecedented, and Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this change with massive investments in aviation infrastructure. We are proud to see the Global Airports Conference serving as a premier platform that brings together industry leaders to support these efforts and drive innovation in airport development.”

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The Saudi Airports Exhibition (Global Airports Forum 2025) presents a unique opportunity to showcase the latest technologies, innovations, and strategic partnerships in aviation, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for air transport and airport excellence.