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We provide a snapshot of some of the latest news stories from across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
CONSTRUCTION OF CHANGI’S TERMINAL 5 TO START NEXT YEAR
The construction of Changi Airport’s highly anticipated Terminal 5 will start in the first half of 2025, according to Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lawrence Wong. Wong, who made the announcement during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), said the timescale means that the new terminal will be operational by the mid-2030s.
Wong noted, “IATA projects that post-COVID, air passenger volumes will double by 2040. And Asia-Pacific, our region, will be a key engine of this increase.” He added that other countries in the region are making significant airport investments to compete for this growing traffic, with some planning mega airports capable of handling more than 100 million passengers annually.
Highlighting Changi’s plans, Wong shared, “The most important thing we are doing is to invest in Terminal 5. It will add capacity for another 50 million passengers each year, on top of Changi’s current capacity of 90 million.” Additionally, the government is working to liberalise air service agreements, aiming to grow Changi’s network from nearly 150 city links to over 200 by the mid-2030s.
GMR TO ACQUIRE FRAPORT’S STAKE IN DELHI AIRPORT OPERATOR
Global airport operator Fraport AG is selling its 10% stake in Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Under the agreement signed on September 9, Fraport will transfer its entire stake in DEL operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), to its majority owner, GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited (GIL), for $126 million.
Fraport CEO, Dr. Stefan Schulte, commented on the move, stating, “After a successful 18-year partnership driving impressive growth in Delhi, it’s time to start a new chapter. We look back with pride on the various milestones we’ve achieved together with GIL.” Once finalized, the deal will give GMR Airports Infrastructure a 74% stake in DIAL, with the remaining 26% held by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
BUSIEST EVER MONTH AT HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Building on the dynamic growth from the first half of the year, Hamad International Airport (DOH) welcomed a record-breaking 4.73 million passengers in July, making it the busiest month in its history. The Qatari hub attributes the surge to its growing network and increased flight frequencies to meet the high demand during the peak summer season.
The most popular destinations for DOH in July included London, Bangkok, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with India, the USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE being the top countries for travel.
NEW DELIVERY PARTNER FOR RIYADH’S KING SALMAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) has appointed Mace to lead the planning and construction of its airport development program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), KSIADC expects Mace to manage the complete range of delivery services for the six-runway airport.
This major new aviation hub is anticipated to be operational for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals. Mace Consult CEO, Davendra Dabasia, stated, “King Salman International Airport is a game-changing infrastructure program, combining ambition in scale, sustainability, innovation, and economic development.” Mace’s experience in major global infrastructure projects and aviation positions it well to support the successful delivery of one of the world’s largest airports.
BRISBANE AIRPORT UNVEILS BOLD PLANS FOR TERMINAL 5
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is set to revolutionize the passenger experience with its Terminal 5 revamp, part of the A$5 billion Future BNE transformation plan. The redevelopment marks the most extensive updates to the terminal since its opening 29 years ago and is driven by the need to upgrade security screening equipment to meet Australian standards by the end of 2025.
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, noted, “Our International Terminal is Queensland’s gateway to the world. After three decades, it’s time for a transformation to continue welcoming global visitors.” Alongside the T5 revamp, Future BNE will introduce upgrades to the Domestic Terminal, construct Terminal 3, and expand commercial, retail, and industrial spaces throughout the airport precinct over the next decade.
The T5 upgrade will move security screening to Level 4, offering a brighter, naturally-lit area with state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) screening by Rapiscan Systems. Amadeus will provide self-service check-in and bag-drop kiosks, and the terminal will also feature 31 new retail/F&B outlets and an expanded duty-free area by Lotte Duty Free. Additionally, the apron will have new charging infrastructure to support eco-friendly ground support equipment, improving working conditions and sustainability.
VIETNAM EXPANSION FOR ADANI GROUP?
India’s Adani Group may expand into Vietnam’s aviation sector, potentially investing in the Long Thanh International Airport and Chu Lai Airport, according to a Reuters report. The Vietnamese government reportedly welcomes Adani’s interest in bidding for these airports, located in Vietnam’s southern and central regions.
This consideration follows Adani’s recent authorization to construct a seaport in Vietnam, further strengthening ties in aviation and logistics within the country. Last year, Karan Adani, son of Adani Group founder Gautam Adani, announced plans to invest up to $3 billion in seaport and renewable energy projects in Vietnam.
