Airport design, digital innovation and passenger experience took centre stage at the 13th Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), held alongside the 25th Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event brought together government representatives, aviation specialists and technology providers to examine emerging solutions for improving airport efficiency, strengthening operational resilience and preparing infrastructure for future demand.

Discussions focused on Dubai’s aviation development plans, closer cooperation across the airport ecosystem, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics and digital identity in simplifying passenger journeys.

Dubai Puts Passenger Experience at the Centre of Airport Planning

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said Dubai’s ambition to develop the world’s largest airport involves more than increasing infrastructure capacity. Improving the passenger experience remains a central consideration in its development strategy.

He stressed the need for adaptable airport designs that can accommodate emerging technologies and respond to changing industry requirements.

Al Zaffin described the Airport Show as an important meeting point for airport developers, technology companies and operational specialists to share expertise and assess new solutions.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s establishment 25 years ago, he said its original purpose was to bring airport technologies together in one location, allowing industry professionals to explore innovations without travelling to multiple countries.

He added that the initiative has delivered benefits for Dubai and the wider region. Continued support for the event remains important as rapid technological advances increase the need for infrastructure capable of incorporating new solutions over time.

Collaboration and Resilience Shape Aviation Priorities

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, identified collaboration, operational resilience and innovation as key priorities for the aviation sector.

He said passengers view their airport experience as a single, continuous journey rather than a collection of separate services. Improving capacity and service quality therefore requires stakeholders to coordinate their activities, establish common objectives and develop trust.

Cooperation becomes particularly important during operational disruptions, he noted, when effective responses depend on clear leadership, teamwork, established relationships and lessons from previous incidents.

Al Joker also highlighted the potential of intelligent systems to identify emerging challenges and help airports address them before they affect passengers. However, he stressed that technology investments should produce measurable benefits, including more reliable, efficient and straightforward journeys.

Workforce development is another essential element, he added. Employees must be equipped with the expertise and decision-making skills needed to turn technological capabilities into better passenger services.

City Terminal Trial Cuts Journey Time by Around 60%

Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), outlined a vision for airport innovation by 2032, in which technology works largely behind the scenes to make travel simpler.

He argued that the most advanced airport may not be the one where passengers see the most technology, but the one where technology makes the journey easier without drawing attention to itself.

The approach combines AI, digital identity, biometrics and real-time data analytics to anticipate congestion, improve resource allocation and deliver personalised information and assistance. It also recognises the differing requirements of business travellers, families, transit passengers and Persons of Determination.

Al Shamsi presented findings from the ‘City Terminal’ pilot project, which aims to extend airport services to urban locations so passengers can complete key travel procedures before arriving at the airport.

The trial included check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening and passport control outside the airport. Passengers were then transported in secure vehicles directly to the airport concourse, extending the concept beyond conventional city check-in facilities.

According to Al Shamsi, the process reduced total journey time from at least 120 minutes to approximately 45 minutes, a reduction of around 60%.

He said the findings demonstrate how airport procedures could be redesigned, challenging traditional assumptions about where the passenger journey begins.

Al Maktoum International Airport Offers Opportunity for New Design

Al Shamsi said the Al Maktoum International Airport project provides an opportunity to integrate infrastructure, technology and passenger services from the beginning rather than retrofitting new systems into existing facilities.

Building flexibility into the airport’s underlying design would help it accommodate emerging technologies, evolving operating models and changing passenger expectations.

“Our ambition is not to build an airport with more technology, but an airport that becomes better because of technology,” he said.

Dubai Seeks Stronger Aviation Connectivity

Khalid Ibrahim Saif, Director of Aviation Economics and Growth at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), called for a broader approach to aviation development that moves beyond responding to operational disruptions and focuses on sustainable growth and stronger connectivity.

He said rising air travel demand requires economic growth to be matched by infrastructure investment and improvements in operational efficiency.

Saif also emphasised closer coordination between airports, airlines and regulatory authorities, supported by smart technologies and data-driven decisions.

Greater integration, he said, would help build a more resilient aviation sector capable of responding to future challenges, maintaining competitiveness and improving the passenger experience.

The forum highlighted a common priority among aviation leaders: combining adaptable infrastructure, intelligent technology and coordinated operations to accommodate growing passenger demand while making air travel more efficient, accessible and seamless.

Source: TradeArabia

King Abdulaziz International Airport has continued to set unprecedented records since the beginning of this year, starting 2026 with exceptional performance during January. The total number of passengers reached 5.45 million, achieving a growth rate of 7.3% compared to the same month in 2025.

The airport also recorded a total of 29,200 flights, reflecting an 11% growth compared to the same period last year. The total number of baggage handled amounted to 6.6 million bags, with an 8% increase compared to January of the previous year.

The airport experienced its highest operational week in history, with 1.28 million passengers between January 11 and 17, 2026, highlighting the ongoing operational momentum. Additionally, January 17 marked the airport's highest operational day, with 195,300 passengers and 1,089 flights, demonstrating the efficiency of operational processes and the infrastructure's readiness to meet the growing demand for travel.

These results are part of Jeddah Airports Company’s efforts to enhance the travel experience, meet passenger needs, and provide more travel options, in line with the accelerating growth in air traffic and aligned with the aviation program's objectives.

It is noteworthy that Jeddah Airports Company has been managing and operating King Abdulaziz International Airport since its establishment in 2022, and is working on implementing the aviation program derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, in line with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Singapore was named the world’s second-richest country in 2025 based on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, though its standing declined once average working hours were factored into the analysis, according to The Economist.

With a GDP per capita of about US$90,700, the city-state trailed only Switzerland, which led the list at roughly US$100,000. Norway followed closely in third at US$86,800. However, when adjusted for hours worked, Norway overtook its rivals to claim the top position globally, while Qatar and Denmark secured second and third places respectively. Singapore fell to eighth place, ranking just behind the Netherlands under the new measure.

Figures from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower indicated that local employees clocked an average of 43.3 working hours per week in 2024. In contrast, data from the International Labour Organisation showed that Norwegian workers averaged just 33.2 hours weekly over the same period — a significant gap that contributed to Norway’s rise in the adjusted rankings.

In a related study conducted by Remote.com, Singapore ranked 25th out of 60 nations in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index, earning a score of 57.85 out of 100. New Zealand, Ireland, and Belgium dominated the list with scores of 86.87, 81.17, and 75.91 respectively. Despite its mid-tier ranking overall, Singapore remained Asia’s best-performing country for work-life balance.

Etihad Airways has been named the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings, securing the top position among 320 airlines assessed worldwide for safety, operational performance and product standards. The recognition marks a historic achievement for the region, as Etihad becomes the first Gulf carrier to lead the prestigious global safety rankings.

The UAE’s aviation sector featured prominently in the list, with Dubai-based Emirates ranking fifth among full-service airlines, while flydubai earned a place in the Top 25 within its category. Qatar Airways also appeared in the rankings, reinforcing the Middle East’s growing prominence in global aviation safety and operational excellence.

Published annually, the AirlineRatings safety rankings are regarded as one of the industry’s most authoritative benchmarks. The assessment framework evaluates a wide range of criteria, including incident rates relative to flight volumes, fleet age, records of serious incidents, pilot training standards and compliance with international safety audits.

For the 2026 edition, increased weight was given to turbulence mitigation, the leading cause of in-flight injuries. Airlines’ participation in the IATA Turbulence Aware programme, along with comprehensive onboard safety audits, played a significant role in determining the results.

Etihad secured the top ranking ahead of major global carriers such as Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, ANA and British Airways.

According to AirlineRatings, the airline’s first-place position was driven by its young and modern fleet, advanced cockpit safety systems, strong turbulence management protocols, a crash-free operational history and the lowest incident rate per flight among all airlines evaluated. Etihad also undertook an independent onboard safety audit, demonstrating a high level of compliance with cabin safety and turbulence procedures.

In the low-cost category, the Top 25 Safest Airlines for 2026 included Jetstar, Scoot, easyJet, Wizz Air Group, Ryanair, AirAsia and Southwest. To ensure consistency and reliability, AirlineRatings excluded airlines operating fewer than 25 aircraft, focusing the assessment on high-frequency operators.

AirlineRatings chief executive Sharon Petersen highlighted several notable developments in this year’s rankings, including the first-ever inclusion of Spring Airlines China, making it the first Chinese carrier to feature in any AirlineRatings list, and AirBaltic’s significant rise into the top 10.

She also noted that HK Express secured the top low-cost airline safety title for the second consecutive year, supported by a modern fleet, an exceptionally low incident rate and an almost flawless onboard safety audit.

Petersen emphasised that the 2026 results illustrate how closely matched the world’s safest airlines have become. Fewer than four points separated airlines ranked from first to 14th, while just 1.3 points distinguished the top six. She cautioned against interpreting small numerical differences as meaningful safety gaps, stressing that all airlines in the Top 25 represent the highest standards of aviation safety.

While acknowledging that incidents occur across the industry, Petersen underscored that the rate of incidents per flight remains extremely low, reflecting the continued strength and reliability of modern commercial aviation worldwide.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again set a new global benchmark, winning the coveted title of “World’s Leading Airport” at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA). The UAE’s flagship aviation hub triumphed over more than 20 top global competitors — including Singapore’s Changi Airport, London Heathrow, and Doha’s Hamad International — to secure the honor for the sixth consecutive year.

The World Travel Awards, widely regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” recognize outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Established in 1993, the awards are decided through votes from travel industry professionals and the general public across more than 200 countries.

According to Dubai Airports, DXB served a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers in 2024, surpassing its pre-pandemic peak of 89.1 million in 2018. The milestone reaffirms DXB’s position as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, a title it has consistently held since 2014.

By late 2025, officials projected annual traffic to exceed 95 million passengers, reflecting Dubai’s continuing growth as a global aviation and tourism hub.

Serving as the primary base for Emirates Airline and flydubai, DXB connects travelers to over 240 destinations across six continents via nearly 100 international carriers. The airport features an extensive range of world-class facilities — including luxury lounges, a five-star hotel (Dubai International Hotel), zen gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and cinema halls — designed to enhance passenger comfort and experience.

Commenting on the recognition, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the award “reflects the commitment of thousands of people who work tirelessly to make DXB the best in the world, driven by innovation, hospitality, and operational efficiency.”

In contrast, Singapore’s Changi Airport, long celebrated for its architectural marvels such as the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, faced increased scrutiny in 2025 following passenger complaints about baggage delays.

The airport operator, Changi Airport Group, later issued a public apology and announced service enhancements to restore its signature efficiency standards.

Dubai’s achievement underscores the Emirate’s strategic investment in aviation infrastructure and its vital role in positioning the UAE as a top global gateway. Industry analysts view DXB’s consistent success as a reflection of Dubai’s broader ambition — to maintain its leadership in global connectivity and tourism excellence.

Etihad Airways has triumphed at the 2025 World Travel Awards, bringing home three prestigious titles: World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class for its Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport. These accolades were presented to the airline at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Bahrain.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed his pride in the achievements, saying, "Winning three global titles is a testament to the passion and dedication our entire team brings to every journey. These awards reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across all cabins and touchpoints, from the moment our guests arrive at Zayed International Airport to their in-flight journey."

Etihad was nominated in 13 categories, including World’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme (Etihad Guest), and World’s Leading Airline Cabin Crew. The airline’s hub at Zayed International Airport was also nominated for World’s Leading Airport and World’s Leading Airport Customer Experience.

2025 has been a record-breaking year for Etihad, marked by significant growth and innovation. A key milestone was the introduction of the new A321LR aircraft, enhancing the airline’s short- and medium-haul offerings. This aircraft features widebody comfort with two private First Class suites, 14 fully-flat Business Class seats, and 144 spacious Economy seats—all equipped with 4K screens and high-speed Wi-Fi. The A321LR’s addition strengthens Etihad’s premium offering strategy and provides an elevated travel experience on more routes with increased frequency.

Neves emphasized the impact of the A321LR, stating, "With this new aircraft, we offer a world-class experience on more routes, making it easier for guests to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer. Every improvement we’ve made reflects our commitment to providing travelers with the highest levels of comfort and care."

Earlier this year, Etihad also received five regional awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2025, including World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience and World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class.

The World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the ultimate recognition of excellence within the travel industry, having been established over 30 years ago to celebrate the best in travel, tourism, and hospitality.