The Airport Show 2026, taking place from October 12–14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will showcase the latest biometric and passenger-centric innovations.
The event will feature
more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries, alongside conferences
including the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle
East, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, and the Women in Aviation (WIA)
Middle East Conference.
The Middle East
aviation region, a key global connector between Africa, Europe and Asia and
home to leading international hubs, is accelerating the adoption of advanced
biometric technologies to streamline airport operations, as passenger numbers
are projected to reach 240 million in 2026.
Airports across the
UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are investing heavily in digital
identity systems aimed at reducing document checks, shortening queues and
improving passenger facilitation, while strengthening security.
According to the
International Air Transport Association (IATA), replacing manual checks with
biometric identity confirmation can reduce processing times by up to 40
percent, significantly boosting efficiency at high-traffic hubs.
Dubai International
(DXB), the world’s busiest airport for international travellers since 2014, has
introduced an AI-powered “Red Carpet” Smart Tunnel capable of processing more
than 10 passengers at a time, reflecting the region’s shift toward automated
passenger movement.
The UAE aviation
sector continues to expand despite regional challenges, with the Al Maktoum
International Airport (AMIA) development progressing on schedule for 2032
operations.
The
multi-billion-dollar project has achieved major milestones, including runway
works and terminal foundations, with AED13 billion ($3.5 billion) in contracts
under execution and over AED55 billion planned for future phases.
Highlighting progress,
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the project remains on
track for 2032 operations, underscoring the strategic importance of the
development for Dubai’s long-term aviation growth.
Within the sector,
digital transformation remains a top priority.
Majed Al Joker, Chief
Operating Officer (COO) of Dubai Airports, remarked: “Dubai Airports is focused
on delivering consistent, measurable improvements in how guests move through
our terminals. Through continued investment in biometric and digital solutions,
we are strengthening the efficiency of our operations while handling sustained
growth.” He added: “We remain committed to driving efficiency across every
touchpoint through technology, collaboration, and operational discipline.”
In Abu Dhabi, Zayed
International Airport has implemented facial recognition across five of nine
passenger touchpoints, while the UAE plans full integration of Emirates ID with
Smart Gates by 2026.
Airlines, including
Emirates and Etihad Airways, are expanding biometric systems across check-in,
lounges and boarding, with Emirates operating more than 200 biometric boarding
cameras across DXB.
May Ismail, Event
Manager at RX Middle East, said: “Biometric technology is undoubtedly
transforming airport operations, offering heightened security and passenger
convenience. For airport operators, biometrics are a strategic answer to
effectively and satisfactorily handle ever-rising passenger volumes. Biometric
technology is transforming the entire airport operations and offering
heightened security and passenger convenience.”
She added: “The Middle
East countries, including the Arabian Gulf hubs, are competing to attract more
connecting traffic and working to ensure faster passenger facilitation.
Airports are seeing new travel innovations like biometrics as an opportunity to
grow and expand rather than an obstacle and hindrance. Airports are rapidly and
enthusiastically adopting biometrics to create a seamless, secure, and
touchless passenger experience.”
Industry forecasts
highlight rapid growth, with the global biometric travel market expected to
expand significantly by 2030.
Over 43 percent of
airports already use biometric boarding systems, while adoption is expected to
accelerate further, with three-quarters of airports projected to use biometrics
across multiple touchpoints by 2027.
With over 67 percent of Middle East passengers already using biometrics—the highest globally—the region is positioning itself as a leader in seamless, technology-driven travel experiences. -TradeArabia News Service