The Airport Show, the world's largest B2B airport sector exposition, started opening its opened to the world on Monday in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, officially launched the Airport Show, which had received a massive response in its new physical and digital formats owing to the COVID-19 epidemic.

The three-day show at the Dubai World Trade Centre's (DWTC) Halls 7 and 8 has more than 95 exhibitors from 21 nations,100-plus Hosted Buyers from over 20 countries, and 36 exhibitors from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, and the UK. These figures are staggering in light of the global travel limitations imposed because of the second pandemic of the twenty-first century and the huge impact this has on the world's airports and airline corporations. The reaction to the Airport Show is a clear sign of the aviation industry's potential recovery journey, and its unwavering optimism and enormous efforts to resuscitate and regain lost business volumes and growth pace.

“The aviation sector has a history of effectively rebounding back from crises, and the COVID-19 epidemic isn't any unique,” Sheikh Ahmed said after formally unveiling and touring the stands and pavilions at Dubai's MICE landmark venue and engaging with exhibitors about challenges and prospects. The disruption is just momentary, and we will soon be back on course. The enormous reaction to the Airport Show demonstrates the aviation world's faith in Dubai and its worldwide efforts.” “I am encouraged to see all industry stakeholders working collaboratively to accomplish a phenomenal and speedier recovery after battling the epidemic and operating airports and airlines as lifelines. As in the past, Dubai would continue to lead the industry's comeback through coordination and partnership in the future. In a crisis, it is the self-assurance that moves the mountain and allows one to sail effectively against the winds.”

As per international analysts, the airport sector has a fresh feeling of hope and confidence about resuming the lost pace of growth and expansion, starting in 2021 with the steady increase in passenger and aircraft flow owing to travel corridors being constructed linking destinations throughout the world. The anticipated inflow of travelers once the epidemic is over and travel restrictions are lifted has pushed airports to adopt cutting-edge technology and solutions to provide a healthy atmosphere for safe and secure traveling until 2025 – and far beyond.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates a 50% rise in worldwide passenger kilometers, with its number of riders increasing to 2.8 billion with the opening of borders by mid-2021, a billion more than in 2020. IATA, representing 290 airlines that account for more than 82 percent of total worldwide air traffic, claims that people's desire to fly hasn't waned and that travel has recovered to near-normal levels in some countries where travel restrictions have been lifted. It was previously predicted that if traffic returned to pre-crisis levels, the Arabian Gulf airports will handle 450 million people per year.

Prominent decision-makers from large airports in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) have come to the Show to discover and acquire the latest goods and services for their infrastructures to improve and secure passenger facilitation. The Airport Show 2021, like previous editions, will comprise new co-located events: the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, and the Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly.

Thani Alzaffin, Group CEO of emaratech, commented during the Show, "There have been significant optimistic indicators of revival all across the world." Ideally, the aviation/airport business would have a better year in 2021. The new norm for airport services will be smooth and contactless. The aviation sector will recoup lost impetus shortly, particularly in Dubai, and it is always ready to face any adversity. This year, emaratech will demonstrate a completely paperless/seamless experience to facilitate the passenger's path toward a safe flight and circulation through the airport.”

As per Ali Salim Al-Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah International Airport Authority, commencing with the Airport Show, there would be a steady return to normalcy in the country's aviation business after undergoing exceptionally tough times owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. He urged the sector to improve communication and cooperation to exchange thoughts and strategies and learn about new technology.

Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) is actively involved in the Show. “In compliance with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's mission, we are embracing and executing strategic and future projects for the aviation sector to enhance the continuity of managing with air traffic efficiently during most of the challenging times because to the cordial relationship,” said Ibrahim Ahli, Executive Vice President of dans, the exclusive operator of air traffic services at Dubai airports.