- The Saudi Airport Show, now renamed the Airport World Forum, is set to double in size for its fourth edition from December 16-17, 2025, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, becoming the largest in its history. The exhibition extends over an area of 15,000 square metres, and will include 300 exhibitors, 100 international speakers and more than 10,000 participants, strengthening its position as a major aviation event in the region.
- This year, the Forum will host key side events including the Global Aviation Issues Conference, the Women in Aviation General Assembly, and the Airport Excellence Awards, along with more than 5,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings.
The Saudi Airport Expo (SAE), recently renamed the World Airport Forum, is set to double in size for its fourth edition, making it the largest in its history. The event will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from December 16 to 17, 2025, on an area of 15,000 square meters and includes 300 international exhibitors and more than 10,000 participants. This expansion strengthens its position as a leading platform for the airport and aviation sector in the region.
The conference will host several concurrent events, including the Global Aviation Issues Conference, the Women in Aviation General Assembly, and the Airport Excellence Awards, with the participation of more than 100 international speakers. In addition, more than 5,000 pre-scheduled meetings will be held between exhibitors and buyers, enhancing cooperation and business opportunities in the sector.
The 2024 edition of the exhibition achieved a resounding success under the slogan “Expansion, Innovation and Cooperation”, sponsored by Airports Holding Company – one of the arms of the General Authority of Civil Aviation – and many leading local and international airlines. The event attracted more than 7,000 aviation professionals and 250 exhibitors from 22 countries, including major companies specializing in airport management, ground handling, security and aviation technology. The exhibition received very positive feedback, with 99% of exhibitors confirming its importance to their business, and 91% expressing their intention to participate in the 2025 edition.
Saudi Arabia is implementing a massive airport expansion and modernization program with investments amounting to $147 billion, and is expected to contribute $82.3 billion to GDP by 2037. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) aims to increase air connectivity to 250 destinations, increase annual passenger numbers to 330 million by 2030, and double air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons annually. These developments are considered crucial as the Kingdom prepares to host several major global events, including the Asian Cup in 2027, the Asian Winter Games in 2029, Expo 2030 in Riyadh, and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
The most important projects currently being implemented are:
King Salman International Airport (Riyadh): One of the largest airports in the world, it targets 100 million passengers annually by 2030, with future expansions that will increase the capacity to 185 million passengers by 2050.
Lula International Airport: Under expansion to accommodate 2 million visitors by 2035.
Privatization of Abha and Taif airports: With investments of one billion dollars, increasing the capacity of Taif Airport to 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
In addition, many regional and international airports across the Kingdom are undergoing expansion and modernization to support the growing aviation sector in Saudi Arabia.
This year will also witness 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 prepares to operate flights to more than 100 destinations around the world.
The aviation sector in Saudi Arabia witnessed significant growth in 2024, with Saudi Airlines carrying more than 35 million passengers, and Flyadeal and Flynas also setting new records in passenger numbers and flight operations.
Daksha Patel, Director, Niche Ideas, the organizer of the event, commented:
“The pace of transformation in the aviation sector across the region is unprecedented, and Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this change through huge investments in aviation infrastructure. We are proud to see the World Airports Congress serving as a leading platform that brings together industry leaders to support these efforts and drive innovation in airport development.”
The Saudi Airports Show 2025 provides a unique opportunity to showcase the latest technologies, innovations and strategic partnerships in the field of aviation, enhancing the position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global center for air transport and excellence in airports.
About the Author
