A staggering Dh120 billion ($32.6 billion) investments are in place for the development of UAE airports to meet the rising demand of passengers and cargo movements.

UAE airports last year handled over 101 million passengers including over 71 million by Dubai International Airport, noted Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports.

In a message in the June edition of Via Dubai, the official bilingual newsletter of DCAA, Sheikh Ahmed said the aviation industry in Dubai is on a firm pedestal due to the unbridled airport developments and fleet expansion by Emirates and flydubai.

By 2022, the world’s biggest airport will become a reality in the shape of Dubai World Central (DWC), of which Al Maktoum International Airport is a key component. When fully complete, the DWC will handle 220 million passengers.

A planned expansion of Al Maktoum International’s passenger terminal will boost the airport’s capacity to reach a total of 26 million passengers per year by 2017.

The opening of Concourse D at the Dubai International Airport this year as part of the $7.8 billion expansion program is expected to boost the airport's capacity to over 100 million passengers annually by 2020 when Dubai hosts the World Expo.

Moreover, the DCAA has taken steps to ensure that its aviation policies are compatible with the changing times.

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of DCAA, said: “Dubai is known globally for business-friendly and growth-oriented policies. To enhance airspace safety and maintain the hard-earned accomplishments, our aviation laws have been recently revised, taking into account several challenges and potential risks. The new law will go a long way in keeping our airspace ‘free and clear’ of potential safety hazards.”

It is estimated that aviation’s contribution to Dubai’s economy will increase to $88 billion by 2030.