Air transport contributes in the economic and touristic revitalization of the Arab region. That will be achieved only if civil aviation stands on solid foundations, with airports that can accommodate growing numbers of passengers. Hence, came the Arabic hands willing to expand airports, in the midst of lawful inter Arab competition to achieve the highest levels of comfort for passengers, through new and developed airports.
"Egypt"
When talking about the Arab Republic of Egypt, we find out that the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation has implemented a plan that focuses on the development of future programs and strategies for the advancement of the sector. One of the most important is the enhancement and development of Egyptian airports capacity and the establishment of five new airports: Sphynx airport, Kottamia airport administrative capital, Ras Sidr Airport - Berenice Airport South of the Red Sea - Bardawil Airport ». These airports are a gift from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sissi to future generations targeted
by the development process that is taking place in Egypt in all fields.
It seems that the decision to establish one airport is not an easy one because of its cost, but the Egyptian President has decided to work on five airports simultaneously and in record times in relation to the construction process, in view of the period required by the construction process down to the go live phase... The new airports Al-Jadida link all the Egyptian cities, which will have a great positive impact on future generations in a manner that serves the process of sustainable development, facilitates investment and supports the industry.
«Sphinx Airport» west of the Egyptian capital
The Egyptian National Company Egypt Air started operating the first domestic flights from Sphinx Airport west of Cairo at the end of January. In the pilot phase, the National Company decided to operate internal flights for the first time from Sphinx International Airport during the half academic year vacation, specifically from January 25 to February 9.
The Egyptian aviation minister, Younis El Masry stressed, «The aim of operating through this airport is to relieve the pressure on Cairo airport and to create logistic areas and reach travelers at their nearest location. EgyptAir and other companies plan to increase their flights in the coming period as it was designed and established according to the highest international standards and service levels in airports around the world».
Sphinx Airport is located west of the capital, is about 12 km from the pyramids of Giza, and is scheduled to serve Giza, Haram and October area. The presence of the airport near tourist attractions in Cairo will contribute to revitalize one day trip tourism"
Sphinx International Airport was built on a part of a military airbase 45 km west of Cairo on Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road. It was launched in 2017 with an investment of about 300 million pounds, equivalent to approximately $ 17 million.
The airport, which was carried out by the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces in coordination with the Egyptian Company for Investments, is designed to serve the cities of 6th October, Sheikh Zayed and Fayoum and Beni Suef and Minya provinces, as well as receiving charter flights that do not land in Cairo airport...The establishment of Sphinx Airport falls within the airports, ports, transport lines and roads upgrading in Egypt, in order to serve development projects.
« Administrative Capital Airport»
Egyptian Aviation Minister Lieutenant General Younis El Masri confirmed that the administrative capital airport, which is located 50 kilometers east of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, would be inaugurated next April. The airport´s main building will be built on an area of ??5,000 square meters and will accommodate 300 passengers. The airport includes 45 buildings and a 50-meter air-control tower.
The airport has a runway of 3650 meters, a width of 60 meters in addition to the runway´s shoulders that reach up to 15 meters on both sides, and are able to accommodate large model E4 aircrafts. It includes 8 parking spaces, a parking area for ??500 cars and 20 buses. The actual required time to complete the airport is set to 12 months preceded by studies and equipment works.
It was named capital city airport because of its location in the heart of the new capital city, to serve the citizens of the new cities, canal cities and to strengthen tourism activities. The airport is equipped with state-of-the-art modern systems for securing, managing and operating airports. It has been equipped with modern thermal cameras as well as baggage screening systems, automatic fire alarm systems, access control systems, camera surveillance systems, accurate detection systems and X-ray detection systems.
Capital city Airport has the capacity to receive charter flights that do not land at Cairo airport and will relieve the pressure on Cairo International Airport. The International capital city Airport is linked to the Cairo-Suez road through a free bridge intersection leading to the airport entrance and exit using safe crossroades. It was built and established according to International Standards and relying on Egyptian expertise and national companies exclusively under the supervision of the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces. Both Hassan Allam company who carried out the construction works and Arab Contractors Company, who established the runway and internal ways, participated in the airport construction.
The Egyptian Ministry of Aviation confirms that there is a plan to expand the airport in the future. Therefore, the limits of the runway have been taken into account to accommodate another passage for the aircraft. In addition, the existing terminal building can be extended to increase its capacity.
Berenice airport south of Marsa Alam
According to reliable sources in the Egyptian ministry of civil aviation, Berenice airport located south Marsa Allam will be officially opened and operate to accommodate air tours by the end of 2019. The airport will accommodate many tourists coming to spend their holidays south of Marsi Alam and provide services to resorts and tourist facilities south of the city of Marsa Alam. Work is underway to complete the conversion of the Airport from a military facility to a civil platform with an overall cost of 430 million pounds, after the Ministry of International Cooperation provided financing for the project in accordance with the decision of the Prime Minister, to make it ready for opening and operation.
«Bardawil Airport»
It was initially a military airport also called Aljafjafa airport and is currently being upgraded to become a joint military-civilian airport, serving the central and northern Sinai, as well as becoming a development axis in the Suez Canal area. Its current name is Bardawil Airport. Sources in the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the electricity supply of the airport is under way, and the airport operating systems such as electromechanical and communications are being tested. The works of the two water purification and sewage treatment plants are under completion. The service roads, the internal roads, the entrance to the airport gates and parking areas are in the planning stages.
The sources also explained that the separation fence between the public area and the tarmac area is being completed. To date, the gates at the entrances to the tarmac were not installed and the marking of the navigational marks the main corridor 16/34 - the service road for the ground equipment are under completion as well as the lighting units on both sides of the corridor, and clearing the islands of stones and obstacles.
"Saudi Arabia"
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the pilot operational plan for the new King Abdulaziz International Airport through four pilot phases that began on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 and ends at the end of March 2019, including the increase in the numbers of domestic flights gates operated by the four national airliners.
The pilot phase is one of the most important mechanisms adopted globally before the complete operation of an airport, said Abdulhakeem Bin Mohammed Al Tamimi, former head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, who confirmed that the pilot operation at medium or long time stages, is a scientific and practical approach to be adopted when implementing most of the large and important infrastructure projects around the world focusing on testing all operating processes in a safe and deliberate manner focusing on testing all operational systems, identifying technical problems and addressing them before the full operation of the airport. Tamimi pointed out that improving security procedures, safety operations and improving passenger experience are the main objectives of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the pilot test phase. All ways to complete the operational requirements of the airport are being prepared to raise the capacity of the airport to 30 million passengers in 2019 out of 80 million passengers targeted.
Tamimi said that the new King Abdulaziz International Airport project is in line with the objectives of "Vision 2030" aimed at achieving economic development.
«Mecca Gate»
The General Authority for Civil Aviation aims to make King Abdul Aziz International Airport a central hub connecting the East and the West. The huge project includes a travel complex that allows all airlines to operate under one roof. The total area of ??the terminal building is 810,000 square meters, including 220 check in counters and 80 passenger self-service desks, a 27,977 sq for the commercial lounge complex and a three levels hotel of 120 rooms for transit passengers. In addition to a sophisticated baggage handling system with a total length of about 34 km, and 46 gates for international and domestic flights, including gates to accommodate big aircrafts such as A380. The gates are connected to 94 mobile bridges serving 70 aircrafts at the same time, 28 aircraft positions on the yards of the terminal complex at the new airport, and a 136-meter control tower, one of the highest control towers in the world, equipped with state-of-the-art air navigational technology.
The King Abdulaziz International Airport is characterized in its first stage by a lounge control center with 44 control units connected to the airport network for all government agencies and airport operators. The center controls the safety and security systems, fire and rescue systems inside the terminal, Building and facilities management systems as well as supply, cleaning and fuel systems, e-mails, aircraft parking management systems, baggage handling management systems, flight and late-flight systems, passenger traffic management, and passenger bridges control systems.
The first stage of the project consists of three main load centers providing about 475 MW of electricity, 110,000TR of cooled water and 46 pumps of firefighting water. The project has two integrated information centers for the airport service and management of all intelligent systems within it. It includes a mosque for about 3732 worshipers.
New airports envisaged in the Kingdom
Saudi Transport Minister Nabil Al-Amoudi also revealed that there is a program to develop industries related to transports and logistics, within a project of more than 70 billion riyals for start ... Al-Amoudi said during the launch of the program on Monday, that the program includes five new airports and 2000 kilometers of railways and contracts worth more than 200 billion riyals.
He added that logistics is one of the pillars of the vision of the Kingdom 2030, pointing out that there are infrastructure projects and digital transformation, and 60 initiatives and we are looking for investments exceeding 135 billion riyals.
Saudi Arabia has 6 international airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Taif International Airport, Prince Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Qassim, in addition to 8 regional airports, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan, Najran Airport, Hail Airport, Al Jouf Airport, Al Ahsa Airport, Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Prince Abdul Mohsen Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Yanbu and Abha Airport. 13 local airport which are Prince Abdul Majid Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Al Aala, Arar Airport, Rabigh Airport, Wadi Al Dawaser Airport, Dawadmi Airport, Qaysumah Airport in Hafr Al Batin, Al Qurayat Airport, Rafha Airport, Bisha Airport, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al Baha, Sharurah, Tarif Airport, and Al Fajh Airport, bringing the number of airports in Saudi Arabia to 21.
"Kuwait"
The State of Kuwait has had the construction of three airports completed during the period from 2017 to 2020, namely Kuwait International Airport, which was implemented by the Turkish company Limak with a $ 313 million budget and Al Musanid airport (t4), with a total cost of 60 million, and the terminal building Al Jazira with a total cost of 14 million. The overall cost of the three airports reached thus 446 million dinars. Al Musanid airport and the Al Jazira passenger terminal building have been completed whilst the new airport, supervised by the ministry of public works, will be completed by 2020, the date agreed upon with LIMAC and the Council of Ministers.
"Kuwait international airport"
The head of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Kuwait, expects that his country will invest US $ 20 billion over the next ten years to develop and modernize the civil aviation sector in Kuwait. "Kuwait International Airport is currently witnessing a number of development projects, including the construction of the new passenger terminal building No. 2, with a capacity of 25 million passengers per year, the construction of a third runway and a new control tower, in addition to the cargo city. "AL Hamoud pointed out to the opening of the new passenger terminals 4 and 5, which absorb 6.7 million passengers annually, in order to increase the capacity of Kuwait International Airport and improve the services provided to passengers.
«Al Musanid Airport»
In the presence of His Highness the Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the inauguration ceremony of the new passenger terminal (4 T) at the Kuwait International Airport or the «Al Musanid airport» took place on July 4. The Secretary of State for housing, the Secretary of State greeted the Prince for Services, Dr. Janan Bushehri, and the Head of the General Administration of Civil Aviation Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah.
The Secretary of State for Services, Bushehri, said that with the rapid movement of travel witnessed by Kuwait in recent decades and the increase in the number of passengers, there was an urgent need to expand the airport. The idea of ??constructing this building was suggested by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and supervised directly by its administrative and technical staff to raise the capacity of the airport from 7 million passengers per year to 25 million passengers by 2022, which will be the basis of our future expansions to suit Kuwait´s history in air transport. Busheri confirmed " the government with the direct guidance and follow-up of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, ensured that the strategic implementation of Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport constitutes a new model in the work of the Executive Authority, based on engaging the best international expertise in the field of airport management and operation. This has resulted in the cooperation with Incheon (Korean airports), and will include job opportunities for Kuwaiti youth and the training of Kuwaiti civil aviation staff on the latest techniques of this field in the world ».
"Today, we are facing a project that has become reality in accordance with its schedule, as it will launch its services and operation with our partner Kuwait Airways next month. This is just a step followed by further, deeper and greater steps that will pave the way for achieving some of your aspirations, your highness for Kuwait. Your eyes acknowledge the achievements and sincere efforts of our dear country. "She said.
On his part, Sheikh Salman Al-Hamoud said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is keen to implement Kuwait´s vision for development 2035. Civil Aviation has adopted an executive vision to transform Kuwait into an active regional air transport hub and took all necessary steps to develop the civil aviation sector which is expected to exceed 40 million passengers annually in 2037 and with annual revenues of at least $ 800 million per year and employment opportunities of about 40,000 jobs. He drew attention to the fact that this vision also includes strategic objectives and plans focused on 3 Key axes: A First axis : Depends on investment in the human element through the implementation of a comprehensive plan including training and rehabilitation of Kuwaiti youth locally and internationally in various disciplines that qualify them according to the latest advanced technologies in the areas of management and operation of airports and air navigation and safety of air transport and aviation security.
The second axis is the development of civil aviation laws, rules and regulations to comply with the relevant international laws and regulations with a comprehensive review of the policies and economics of air transport to guarantee safety and security through the preparation of the new civil aviation law, under which the traditional management of civil aviation will convert into an independent technical body that exercises its powers both domestically and internationally. The third axis is related to the development of infrastructure and service facilities in implementation of the state´s development plans to boost the State´s non-oil revenues. This is what civil aviation has adopted and it was based on separating the legislative and supervisory sides from the operational side by strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors locally and internationally and cooperating with international companies specialized in the civil aviation sector. "Al-Hamoud stressed that" the new passenger terminal No. (4) was established in accordance with the standards adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a capacity of 4.5 million passengers, which can accommodate 6 million passengers annually. "He added that this modern building was allocated to the national carrier Kuwait Airways, and we address our thanks and appreciation to the Board of Directors headed by Yousef Abdul Hamid Al Jassim and all employees of this important national facility for their cooperation and support for the completion of this vital project." Al Hamoud promises to redouble efforts to scale up action in the civil aviation sector and achieve the aspirations of our dear Kuwait.
The three airports will include state-of-the-art security services, international services, self-service for passengers through Iboard, international boarding ticket printing system based on Gulf Cooperation Council countries IDs. He said the passenger could use and extract the boarding pass through "smart phones"... those airport are expected to operate with about 5,000 employees and more than 20 thousand parking positions.
"Al Jazira Passenger Terminal"
Inauguration of Al Jazira terminal building (T5) at Kuwait International Airport on 21 May 2018, as the first private terminal owned by a private airliner in the Middle East.
Al Jazeera Airways Chairman Marwan Boudi confirmed that this building would directly reduce the pressure on Kuwait International Airport, as it will transfer more than 1 million passengers starting next week. He thanked the officials of the General Administration of Civil Aviation, the security and customs authorities and the affiliates, which operate in an airport designed with a capacity of 5 million passengers, and now bears more than 14 million passengers annually. Boudi stressed that Jazeera Airways´ efforts aim to support these efforts by investing in the private sector in everything that supports this field. He drew attention to the fact that Kuwait has the largest increase in the volume of travel in the Middle East as a whole.
He said that the building was designed so that the traveler can stop his car and transit to register, and enter the passports area, and then to customs and screening, until boarding the plane in just 15 minutes, indicating that the design is exceptional, and developed here in Kuwait .. Boudi expressed his hopes that the new flights operating from the building will mark be the beginning of a new era in aviation in Kuwait and a qualitative leap in the travel sector in the country, and that Jazeera Airways will succeed in serving the largest segment of passengers especially for regional flights. He also explained that this building was constructed to facilitate travel procedures and provide the best and fastest service to customers, thanks to its capacity to accommodate 2.5 million passengers yearly and thanks to its modern facilities that provide sophisticated self-registration alternatives, modern design that facilitates passenger flows, spacious retail stores and spacious parking spaces... He added that the passenger´s distance from door to door will not exceed 90 meters, noting that these new measures ease the burden of travel and anxiety from congestion, especially for business travelers and young people who want to complete their travel procedures quickly.
"The Kingdom of Morocco"
King Mohammed VI, 22 January, inaugurated the expansion, upgrading and modernization project Terminal 1 of Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the project for which the Kingdom has earmarked investments of MAD 1,585 billion.
On this occasion, the King inaugurated the new National Center for Regional Control of Air navigation Safety in Agadir, as well as the new terminals at the airports of Guelmim, Zagoura and Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif, which were carried out by the National Airports Authority with a total financial envelope of 647.73 million dirhams. These projects are a reflection of the Royal directives to provide the Kingdom´s various cities with modern airport facilities that meet the international standards and are capable of keeping pace with the steady growth of passenger traffic, which reflects positively on their surroundings keeping pace with its socio-economic and tourism takeoff. These projects aim at increasing the capacity of regional airports and mainstream their compliance with international standards in the areas of air traffic flow, airport security, airport safety and quality of services.
Mohammed V International Airport 1 »
The expansion, retrofitting and upgrading of the Air Terminal 1 of the International Airport Mohammed V in Casablanca increases the total capacity of the airport, which is a key link between airports (hub) at the regional level in Africa, to 14 million passengers annually. The new air terminal is an important platform for dynamic economic and financial activities in the Kingdom´s economic capital, particularly Casablanca´s financial hub. The new 76,000-square-meter Terminal, which will accommodate and handle an annual 7 million passengers, will include 8 aircraft parking stands, three for large-sized aircrafts and one for the Airbus A380. The new terminal, which will be dedicated to the activities of Royal Air Maroc and its partners, has all necessary equipment that meet international specifications and standards in the areas of security and safety and quality of services. It is also equipped with automatic self-check in booths that enable passengers to record their travel data and luggage by themselves, as well as equipment to ensure passenger flows (mobile platforms, automatic doors, mechanical drawers and elevators) as well as clear signing and 9 air bridges one of them dedicated to accommodate Airbus 380 aircraft.
Terminal 1 includes a domestic and international flights transit area, as well as offices of the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation, dedicated to providing guidance and assistance to Moroccans living abroad, banking and other foreign exchange agencies, for travelers, as well as places of worship, and other dedicated to children... The expansion work also included re-configuration, creating space for pedestrians in green areas outside the airport, and a two levels parking, with a capacity of 2075 cars, and a space for drop out... This project, which is self-financed by the National Airports Authority, was carried out thanks to the contribution of 25 national and 6 foreign companies. On this occasion, the King announced the launch of the new national center for regional navigational safety control in Agadir, which will enable the decentralization of the air traffic control service and increase the capacity of Moroccan airspace in terms of transatlantic flights.
It is expected that this new national control center, in addition to the one in Casablanca, inaugurated by His Majesty the King on December 14, 2007, will reduce the risk of disruption in case the National Center of Casablanca is unavailable. The new center (186.10 million dirhams) located on a total area of ??3 hectares close to Agadir Al Massira Airport, which is equipped with modern infrastructure and technology equipment of the new generation, as well as the center of Casablanca, is dedicated to ensure the safety of movement of aircrafts crossing the Moroccan airspace... The King inaugurated other projects related to the new terminals of Guelmim (MAD 273.5 million), Zagora (106.03 million dirhams) and Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif (82.8 million dirhams).
«Guelmim Airport»
The official opening of the Guelmime International Airport was on January 25, 2019, where it received the first flight of Royal Air Maroc after a delay of more than a year... The new airport is expected to handle 700 thousand passengers a year, after the construction of a new terminal building on an area of ??7 thousand square meters. The building consists of the air-controlled departure area, the arrival area and the VIP lounge, at a cost of MAD 248.5 million. It was built on 755 hectares including expansion and upgrading of the aircraft yard, strengthening the runway and building an aircraft stand for 4 medium-sized aircraft. This project is fully integrated into the development paradigm for the southern provinces aiming to provide the region with modern infrastructure.
«Zagora Airport»
The project includes the construction of a new air terminal with a capacity of 250,000 passengers per year, the construction of a control tower, various technical and administrative buildings, an increase in the length and width of the runway, and the expansion and strengthening of the aircraft stand. As for Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif airport, the construction of a new air station with a total area of ??3500 square meters, with a capacity of 300 thousand passengers per year has contributed to revive the touristic activity in the region. The project included, in particular, the upgrading and expansion of the road leading to the airport, and the construction of a car park with a capacity of 375 parking spot, as well as strengthening the fence surrounding the facilities of the airport buildings and watchtowers. All these projects among others that were launched or inaugurated by King Mohammed VI (new terminals in Marrakech Menara and Fes airports, the new terminal of Rabat-Salé airport) in recent years has undoubtedly led to the strengthening of the national airports network and the increase of its capacity, as well as securing Moroccan airspace.
«Iraq ... Three new airports»
As for Iraq, it aspires to establish three new civilian airports in the governorates of Salah al-Din (north), Anbar (west) and Babil (south), in addition to the rehabilitation of Mosul airport.
Iraq has four civilian airports, the largest of which is Baghdad International Airport, followed by Basra, Najaf and Mosul. The Kurdistan region has two airports, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, and the latter are under the jurisdiction of the province.
The United Arab Emirates"
UAE investment minister, Sultan Al Mansoori, said that investments in UAE airport expansion and development projects worth about AED 85 billion ($ 23 billion) are expected to boost the total capacity of airports to 300 million passengers a year in the future. Al Mansouri said that in parallel with investments in airports, national carriers are investing billions of dollars to buy the latest aircrafts, which will help boost the sector´s contribution to the country´s economic growth and consolidate its position as a major aviation hub in the region.
"Our forecast is that the air transport industry will grow by 4.3% to 5% annually over the next two decades, indicating that demand for travel can increase by 2.5%. In preparation for this growth, there are currently 882 in the UAE Including 503 aircraft for national carriers, 630 aircraft under delivery, and the presence of our national company, Strata Manufacturing, a specialist in the manufacture of airframe parts, which has become a first-class supplier and has recorded orders valued at more than $ 7.5 billion.
Al-Mansouri affirmed that aviation in the UAE has become one of the most important pillars of economic diversification. He expected that the contribution of the aviation sector in the GDP would increase from 15% to 20% in the coming years, in line with the state´s commitment to aviation future by investing in infrastructure and assets, new technologies and aviation professionals. During the first session of the summit, Al Mansouri pointed to the important role played by national carriers in the growth of demand for aircraft financing with the various financing tools available thanks to the continued expansion and modernization of fleet. He indicated that the value of the commitment to deliveries of new aircraft up to 2029 amounts to 31 billion dollars (113.8 billion dirhams), while the cost of renewing aircraft is expected to reach about 150 million dollars by the end of 2019.
He stressed that by 2034 the civil aviation sector will see a doubling in the number of passengers compared to previous years, which requires the implementation of more investments in the modernization and expansion of airport infrastructure of high quality, noting that the global investment needs in this area require $ 1.8 trillion from 2015 to 2030. He highlighted the importance of the Summit in reaching out to governments, local and international investors to encourage them to complete current financing, financial schemes in aviation assets, aviation infrastructure, as well as the involvement of new investors in the aviation market, such as insurance companies, sovereign funds, banks, free zones, civil engineering companies, construction companies, clinics, universities and others, to explain the economic viability of aviation investment and its benefits to society as a whole.
«Strategic Plan for Dubai 2020»
Dubai Airports has announced an ambitious $ 7.9 billion (AED 28.8 billion) airport and airspace expansion program that will increase the capacity of Dubai International Airport from 75 million to 100 million passengers per year by 2020. The program provides a highly developed infrastructure that supports the continued growth of the aviation sector and continues to stimulate economic growth in Dubai, with the sector accounting for nearly 22% of total employment and 32% of the emirate´s GDP by 2020. Dubai Airport´s strategic plan for 2020 is in line with expectations for the growth of passenger and cargo traffic at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, which points to an annual growth rate of 7.2% and 6.7% respectively, Airports to 126 million passengers by 2020.
«Al Maktoum Airport»
The total cost of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion project at Dubai World Central has reached 120 billion dirhams. The second phase of the expansion project, which will include giant facilities, will make Al Maktoum Airport the largest airport in the world. It will be able to receive 120 million passengers in the first phase and more than 200 million passengers by 2030 when completed. Essentially, the airport will support five runways and four Concourse buildings, each with a space of equivalent to seven stadiums for football. The number of aircraft positions will increase by 60% from 144 to 230. Cargo traffic will grow from 2.2 million tons (in 2010) to 4.1 million tons by 2020. The plan also includes the construction of additional space for the expansion of some airport buildings. The construction of a new Concourse will provide additional 675,000 square meters of space or twice the size of Terminal 5 at London Heathrow. Facilities to be built or expanded include Terminal 2 (2013), Concourse 4 2015), connecting it to Terminal 1 to facilitate travel and baggage handling.
"Dubai international airport"
The expansion phase includes the addition of 30,000 square meters to the cargo handling areas of Dubai International Airport´s huge cargo terminal. Expansion plans in the airspace will focus on improving runway utilization capabilities and the implementation of high-efficiency systems and operations.
Dubai airports will also involve national and regional civil aviation authorities and air navigation service providers to reduce congestion, minimize air traffic congestion and unlock more potential air space. In the coming years, the next generation of new technologies, on performance and dynamic airspace, in order to take advantage of modern fleet capabilities and increase the absorptive capacity of the airspace will be implemented.
"Sultanate of Oman"
Oman opened the new Muscat International Airport in late 2018. It will accommodate 20 million passengers per year in its first phase, bringing the number to 56 million passengers in the next stages. The new airport building was opened by Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs Fahd Al Said, which coincides with the 48th national day "The new airport comes as one of the most important achievements in the Sultanate in the blessed renaissance of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and represents the Sultanate´s openness to the world more," Said declared in a press statement on the sidelines of the ceremony, which was attended by delegations from several countries.
«Muscat International Airport»
He added that the airport, in addition to the ports and roads, are all projects that contribute to the development of infrastructure, which encourages in bringing more investments to the Sultanate, in addition to the developmental, social and cultural goals of interest to the Omani citizen.
For his part, Omani Minister of Transport and Communications Ahmed Al-Futtaisi said that Muscat International Airport is a quality addition to the civil aviation sector in the Sultanate, which will enhance the sector´s system at the regional level due to its potential and high level of systems and equipment and capacity to accommodate the passengers coming and leaving. Al-Futtaisi said in his speech at the opening ceremony, that this edifice has become - with this potential, an economic, touristic and investment entity of the Sultanate. According to international civil aviation standards, it is classified as an ideal airport, accommodating 20 million passengers per year at its first stage, which will increase to 56 million passengers in later stages.
«The Sultanate´s ´ideal´ gateway to the world»
He explained that after years of planning and continuous implementation, this economic and tourist structure, which embodies a unique model in terms of size, shape, organization and equipment, has become a proud addition to the remarkable projects witnessed by the Sultanate over the 48 years of the blessed Renaissance. Muscat International Airport was designed in compliance to international standards, and the highest levels of service available at ideal airports, according to the classification adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The total area of ??the terminal building is about 580,000 square meters, consisting of three wings (3 levels per suite) and the central area (5 levels) connecting the three wings. There are three main entrances to these levels, as well as VIP lounges departure and arrival lounges. The building includes 118-airline check in desks and 82 check in desks by Oman Company. Retail outlets are located on both the airside and landside of the building, covering 12,000 square meters.
It also includes two dedicated high-capacity aircraft gates such as Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 aircrafts connected with air bridges, and 10 baggage delivery lines, including eight for international flights and two for domestic flights with a capacity of 5200 bags per hour and 11.2 kilometers.
Private first and business lounges are available in the building, as well as airline desks and car rental offices, tourism information desks and numerous service desks. It also includes a 90 room´s hotel on the airside, equipped with the necessary services for guests. The design of the building has taken into consideration the future expansions by allocating an area that can accommodate 90 extra room.
The building contains 40 air bridges to transport passengers to and from the aircraft through 29 lounges, 16 additional waiting areas to transport passengers to and from the aircraft by bus if necessary, as well as parking spaces with a capacity of 59 positions. Air control and communication systems were provided and linked to Salalah airport and other regional airports in the Sultanate, through the control towers and the Muscat Air Control Center and the Center for Emergency Training, in addition to the implementation of supporting equipment for the systems and the connecting process with the external facilities inside and outside the airport such as radars, audio radios, etc. Muscat International Airport has 4722 parking spaces, including 2054 shaded areas connected to shaded corridors, to connect the parking lot to the passenger building, as well as bus waiting rooms and service and facilitation buildings.
"Dokum Airport"
The airport, which is the third airport in the Sultanate of Oman, opened in early 2019 to operate all its facilities and started the first operation of the passenger building, according to local newspapers. The airport will accommodate half a million passengers, and the number can reach two millions yearly. The total surface is more than 273 thousand square meters.
It includes a passenger building, a 37-meter control tower, an air cargo terminal with a 4-km runway and 4 parking spaces, including for the Airbus A380. The project also includes a passenger building and service facilities, including 9614 square meters, and a complex for air navigation and meteorology. The airport seeks to keep pace with the commercial and economic movement in the Economic Zone of Dokum, and will work together with the port of Dokum to activate the movement of logistics and transport within the region.
"Bahrain"
Bahrain´s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa has laid the foundation stone for the new building of the Bahrain International Airport, which is estimated to accommodate 14 million passengers annually at a cost of $ 1.1 billion. Undersecretary of the Ministry of transportation and Communications for Civil Aviation Mohammed Thamer Al- kaabi that a study for the implementation of a new airport in the northern Bahrein is currently being updated by a consultant specialized in this field to identify the requirements related to this important project, especially in terms of financial cost and the best ways to finance it.
Bahrain International Airport »
The Bahrain International Airport Development Program (BIPP) he confirmed that work on the airport development project is under way and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2019. The total area is four times the current building with a capacity of 14 million passengers per year. This project is one of the most important, aims at developing the infrastructure in the aviation sector, and will contribute positively to enhancing the competitiveness of the airport and attracting more airlines. Al-Kaabi expects that the number of passengers at the Bahrain International Airport will reach 8.4 million passengers by the end of 2018. The number of aircraft operated in the airport is expected 96 thousand aircraft by the end of this year, stating in parallel that there is no intention to increase the departure fee at the airport.
Al-Kaabi explained that the civil aviation affairs has a number of important projects during the new year, including the construction of a new air control center equipped with the latest technology in this field, and will work on the second phase of the development of instrument landing system cat 3 which will enable aircraft to land and take off on low levels of visibility on the runway. A new departure and arrival terminal will also be established with aircraft flying across the Bahrain Airport Information Region, along with a number of internal projects to develop and facilitate flight licensing procedures and higher levels of customer service.
«The Republic of Algeria»
On the Algerian side, the Director General of the new Algiers International Airport, Eltaher Aalash, revealed the completion of the work of the new airport by 100% and that the new building is scheduled to be inaugurated in February. He confirmed that the works related to the new airport project were completed.
«New Algiers Airport»
The new Algiers airport is equipped with the latest world-class scanner devices to guarantee the security of passengers. It is equipped with over 1500 surveillance cameras. The project includes a four-star hotel equipped with a 400-bed capacity and a car park. It is important to note that the airfield complies with the international standards and the time lapse between two take offs will not exceed two minutes. Financing this huge projected implied bank loans amounting to 62 billion dinars while the total cost of the new airport is estimated at 80 billion dinars.
«New air stations in Oran and Hawari»
On the other hand, Minister of Transport and Public Works Zaalan said: "The latest preparations for the inauguration of the western terminal of the international airport Houari Boumediene, which is equipped with the latest technology and equipment available at the world´s largest airports, will provide an additional capacity of 10 million passengers per year with an overall capacity of 16 million passengers a year, which would make Houari Boumediene a privileged transit airport."
He also revealed that the new terminal of Ahmed Ben Bella Airport would enter into service officially before the Mediterranean Games, pointing out that the works are under way and will be completed as soon as possible to be ready for reception. The ministry of transport and civil works indicated that five control towers are currently being equipped with the latest technologies to be implemented at the airports of Algeria, Oran, Constantine, Ghardaia and Tamanrasset, as well as the completion of a second regional control center in Timnarast that allows coverage of all airspace and the safety and security of civil aviation.
Qatar
Hamad airport expansion launched in 2019
Abdullah Nasser Turki Al-Subaie, head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, , announced that the third phase of Hamad International Airport is due to start in 2019, stressing that the expansion of the airport will contribute in raising its capacity to more than 53 million passengers annually.
«The expansion will also include the construction of a new cargo terminal with a capacity of 3 million tons per year to accommodate the expected increase in freight traffic, as well as an Airport City, which will provide significant future investment opportunities such as a free trade area, offices and business complex, hotels and other facilities" stated his excellency.
This expansion is a key part of Qatar´s preparations to host the 2022 World Cup, where the country will witness a very large number of visitors attending this global sporting event, added Al Subaie.
The American Time magazine classified Hamad International Airport as the best airport in the world for those who want to spend some time during the waiting periods between flights where transit passengers can listen to the world´s diverse art works, notably teddy bear lamp that stands in the middle of the large lobby leading to the free market area. This artwork is 23 feet length and consists in a yellow teddy bear made of bronze that has become the focus of travelers´ eyes as well as other international artworks adorning the airport and designed by a number of international artists.
Passengers enjoy the spacious two-story lounge area equal to the size of 10 Olympic swimming pools. The Coral Lounge can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors at once. The lounge offers a variety of dining options that passengers can enjoy in the mezzanine area while enjoying the view of the 15m x 7m water basin at the bottom of the spiral staircase and is enlightened by a four-layer chandelier up to the second floor of the lounge. For those who want to relax, the lounge offers many options that allow passengers to recover before the flight. There are game rooms with PlayStation games and Formula Simulation games.
The lounge includes prayer rooms, a nursery, bathrooms and shower rooms with free facilities. Business travelers can use the lounge´s business center, which includes meeting rooms and internet and printing offices to complete their work even while traveling and before reaching their final destination.
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania
At the time when the Islamic Republic of Mauritania was preparing to host the 27th Arab Summit for the first time on its territory in 2016, the construction and operation of the new international airport of the capital, named «Oumtounsi» was completed in tandem with the summit´s date.
The Nouakchott Oumtounsi International Airport, provided accommodation and hotels for leaders and senior guests of the 27th Arab Summit.
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz formally opened the airport for commercial flights on June 23, 2016. The idea behind the new airport was to replace the old Nouakchott airport.
Oumtounsi Airport
Nouakchott International Airport is an international airport serving Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. It is located 25 kilometers north of Nouakchott and is the central operation center for Mauritania International Airlines.
The main building of Oumtounsi Airport is 18,000 square meters and includes two runways with a capacity of more than two million passengers a year.
The airport has a passenger wing, a cargo wing, aircraft stands, presidential and cabinet lounges, cargo aircrafts stands, a 4,800-square-meters maintenance facility, a 38-meter height control tower and six aircraft bridges.
It also houses a mosque, administrative offices and other service facilities, as well as navigational equipment, fire-fighting and fueling facilities.
The Minister of Equipment and Transport, Amal Bint Mouloud, described Nouakchott International Airport as the only airport in the member states of the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar «ASECNA», which has two runways.
The minister said at a recent government press conference that the airport remained a project since the 1970s and went through several phases before it was completed under President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz.
The minister explained that the airport has a number of features and accommodates 2 million passengers annually, and receives all types of aircraft, with a parking capacity of 15 aircraft.
«9 Airports»
Regarding internal airports facts, the minister, who was talking about the achievements of the government in its sector between 2008 and 2018, said that 9 airports are ready to receive international and domestic flights.
The minister confirmed that this period witnessed the implementation of three airports in the region of Teyareth, Al Wassia, Oum Lagrin and Lamghiti, as well as maintenance works at four airports in Selibaby, Zouerat, Atar, Kiffa, Nouadhibou and Nema.