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AIRPORTS IN APAC, MIDDLE EAST TO SEE US$240B INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION
April 25, 2025
Airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are poised for extensive development, with combined investments of US$240 billion dedicated to upgrading existing facilities (brownfield projects) and building new airports (greenfield projects) between 2025 and 2035.
Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), the trade association representing over 600 airports from 46 countries and territories, revealed capital expenditure, highlighting the region's commitment to meeting the increasing demand for cargo and travel.
ACI APAC & MID conducted a comprehensive survey, comprising over 30 key airports from the region, to assess airport development needs.
It said that the findings indicate a strategic focus on both modernising the existing airports and developing new airport infrastructure.
In terms of Brownfield Development — or modernising existing airports — the report said US$136 billion would be invested to upgrade existing airports, creating an additional 14 million tonnes of cargo capacity and 680 million passenger capacity.
Meanwhile, greenfield development — or the development of new airports — will see a US$104 billion allocation to build new airports, adding 57 million tonnes of cargo capacity and 562 million passenger capacity.
ACI APAC & MID noted that this combined investment will create an additional 71 million tonnes of cargo capacity, which is nearly 14 times the cargo throughput of Hong Kong International Airport, the world's top-ranked airport for cargo.
In terms of passengers, it will be upgraded for 1.24 billion passengers—the equivalent of more than 13 airports the size of Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest airport for international passengers.
This significant increase will ensure airports in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are well-equipped to handle anticipated future growth.
"The US$240 billion investment is not just about concrete and runways, it's about socio-economic development in the region. Enhanced passenger experiences will stimulate tourism and business travel, while bolstered cargo capacity will streamline supply chains, driving regional trade and development," said SGK Kishore, president, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East.
Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said the investment marks a critical step in transforming sector and delivering high-quality experience to users and the investment will create additional capacity in the medium-to-long- term.
"However, infrastructure development alone cannot support the growth to its full potential," he said, while calling for government support to liberalise cross-border transfer in the region.
"In today's increasingly complex economic landscape, we need the continuous support of governments to further liberalise air transportation ... These are proven drivers of economic development. In contrast, protectionist measures ultimately hinder progress and limit opportunity," Baronci added.
ACI noted that the US$240 billion investment reflects a "pragmatic and demand-responsive approach to capacity planning," rather than overextending.
It noted that airports in these regions continue to align their investments closely with market conditions and passenger demand forecasts, ensuring that capital is deployed efficiently and sustainably.
