Middle East & Africa Airport Infrastructure Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis - by Airport Type and Infrastructure Type

The Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market was valued at US$ 9.49 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 15.30 billion by 2030; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2030.

Construction of New Airports and Vertiports Boosts the Middle East & Africa Airport Infrastructure Market

Vertiports are centers for vertical takeoff and landing vehicles such as eVTOL vehicles, drones, and air taxis. The increasing demand for competent urban transportation and developments in eVTOL technology, and the shortage of available land to build conventional vertiports fuel the need for advanced vertiports.

In 2023, VPorts, a vertiport startup, is on schedule to complete the first nodes in its planned United Arab Emirates (UAE) network by 2026, having started the certification process for its advanced air mobility (AAM) integrator center in Dubai. This information was provided to the AAM Report. Additionally, in order to further vertiport operations in Dubai, Brazilian next-generation aircraft maker Eve Air Mobility and Swedish vertiport developer Kookiejar have inked a letter of intent. The growing demand for sustainable and low-carbon emission approaches in the aviation and logistics sectors boosts the demand for new airports for eVTOL aircraft.

The advancement of vertiports can transform urban strategies for efficient and eco-friendly city transport or logistic modes. Air pollution, traffic congestion, and the high expenditure on infrastructure are among the major challenges for vertiport construction. To mitigate these issues, lower travel time, reduce carbon emissions, and improve accessibility, vertiports are one of the most promising solutions. Vertiports are similar to helipads but developed for a wider range of aircraft.

Vertiports can be situated in any location, including parking spaces, rooftops, and a few public spaces. In addition, vertiports are landing pads, but they can be used for other services such as maintenance facilities, charging stations, and passenger amenities. Thus, the growing construction of new vertiports is expected to create new opportunities for the airport infrastructure market growth in the coming years.

Middle East & Africa Airport Infrastructure Market Overview

According to the Airport Council International (ACI), the Middle East is expected to account for more than one billion of the global air passenger demand in 2040. Airport infrastructure in the Middle East will need to invest $151 billion to expand capacity as global passenger demand is expected to more than double in 2040. With over 110 airports, the Middle East is already one of the fastest-growing airports in the world. They account for 170 million of global traffic. According to the ACI forecast, more than $150 billion in investment is required to build airport infrastructure from 2021 to 2040 to fulfill the need to handle air passenger traffic by 2040.

The Middle East and Africa are witnessing substantial airport infrastructure expansion and developments, fueled by economic growth and an increasing focus on becoming global aviation hubs. Major airports like Dubai International, Hamad International, and King Fahd International are leading the region's modernization efforts, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and extensive expansion projects. For example, Jeddah Airport Company is aimed at expanding King Abdulaziz International Airport with an investment of $31 billion.

Through this, the airport is expected to handle 114 million passengers per year and is expected to be completed by 2031. Beyond major hubs, regional airports in countries like Ethiopia and Morocco contribute to improved connectivity and economic development. As the Middle East and Africa strive to enhance their roles in global aviation, these airport infrastructure advancements signal a transformative period in the region's air transportation landscape.

Middle East & Africa Airport Infrastructure Market Segmentation

The Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market is segmented based on airport type, infrastructure type, and country. Based on airport type, the Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market is segmented into commercial airport, military airport, and general aviation airport. The commercial airport segment held the largest market share in 2022.

• By infrastructure type, the Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market is segmented into terminal, control tower, taxiway and runway, hangar, and others. The terminal segment held the largest market share in 2022.
• By country, the Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa. The Rest of Middle East & Africa dominated the Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market share in 2022.

AECOM, BIC Contracting LLC, Tav Tepe Akfen Investment Construction & Operation co Inc, and Hill International Inc are some of the leading companies operating in the Middle East & Africa airport infrastructure market.