Using the 4R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover), the project aims to minimise the environmental impact of airport operations and set a new standard for sustainable waste management in aviation. Focused on behavioural change, training and stakeholder engagement, the initiative seeks to set a new standard for sustainable waste management in the aviation industry.

Indore Airport is now poised to embrace ‘Zero Waste’ practices through the 4R approach – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover. The new waste processing plant will process the airport’s daily waste of 750 kgs on-site, significantly reducing landfill dependency.

The Zero Waste Project features a cutting-edge Wet Waste Processing Unit that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This compost will be utilised to enhance the airport's landscaping. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) will meticulously sort dry waste into 10 distinct categories for recycling. To foster a culture of sustainability, the project includes comprehensive waste segregation practices and public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible waste disposal among passengers and staff.

The project is designed as a self-sustaining model. Income generated from compost and recycled materials will be utilised to fund the salaries of dedicated green workers from the third year onwards, ensuring the project's long-term viability.

The daily average is projected at 274,000 guests, with Friday, December 20, anticipated to be the busiest day of the period, hosting nearly 296,000 guests. The weekend from December 20 to 22 will also see peak activity, with an estimated 880,000 guests passing through.

Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: "Delivering the exceptional experience that DXB is known for during peak travel periods is always a challenge, but one we are well-prepared to meet with collaboration across the oneDXB family. This year, we are excited to welcome millions of guests while also creating moments of joy through festive activations. The Family Zone at Terminal 3 will transform into a winter wonderland featuring a unique fusion performance of carollers and beatboxers, a Magic Station offering gift-wrapping and photo opportunities, a Nutcracker marching band, and more. These activities are designed to surprise and delight, making every journey through DXB truly memorable."

The Airports Council International (ACI) World, in its annual World Airport Traffic Report, forecasts global passenger traffic to increase by 10 percent, reaching 9.5 billion passengers in 2024, based on data from over 2,700 airports across 180 countries. In 2023, it stood at 8.7 billion, reaching 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels.  By the end of 2024, international passenger traffic will reach 4.1 billion, accounting for 43 percent of total passengers. The domestic passenger traffic is expected to reach 5.4 billion, making up 57 percent of the total.

ACI World further projects that the global airport investment is set to reach US$2,404 billion in 2040 while the Middle East aviation market is due to reach US$33.70 billion size by 2029. Middle Eastern airports are due to spend US$151 billion on the expansion of their capacity and enhancing passenger and cargo facilities.

The best and most effective ways for airports to handle the fast-rising air traffic and the effective deployment of the newest technologies and innovations will be under the spotlight at the Airport Show, the 24th edition of which will be held in 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 6 to 8. Unparalleled networking and business opportunities await the industry stakeholders and professionals with a big number of exhibitors coming from all over the world and four major co-located knowledge-enhancing conferences taking place over three days.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Patron of Airport Show, remarked: “Airports are vital connectors and economic engines for communities and countries.”

He added that Dubai, a key hub at the crossroads of global travel, is investing US$35 billion in the second phase of development of the Al Maktoum International – Dubai World Central (DWC) to become the world’s largest airport with a capacity of up to 260 million passengers annually, Sheikh Ahmed said airports across the region are also modernising and expanding to meet growing demand, with a combined project value of over US$1.3 trillion across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.” He asserted that the Airport Show, organized by RX, continues to be a vital stage for business growth and expansion in the airport industry.

By the mid-2030s, ICAO predicts that over 200,000 flights will take off and land daily all over the world. By 2036, the air transport industry will contribute US$1.5 trillion to global GDP. By 2040, airports in the Middle East will handle 1.1 billion passengers, with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific accounting for 58 percent of global air passenger demand.”

The Airport Show is the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s leading airport exhibition for 110-odd airport operators and their associates in the Middle East. The 2025 edition is expected to have a total of 160 exhibitors from 20+ countries along with more than 6,000 participants from 30+ countries. The show will feature four insightful conferences on its sidelines - the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, the ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA). The annual multi-events platform is being supported among others by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Emirates Airlines, Dubai Air Navigation Services, and the Dubai-based global airline and dnata.

May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, a global company that organizes about 400 events across 42 industry sectors in 22 countries including Airport Show, said: “The airport industry’s growth is very bright with ample growth opportunities for almost every stakeholder.  Airports have remained steadfast in their commitment to a safe, sustainable, and thriving air travel sector. In the technology-driven era, the focus for airport operators is on thriving rather than simply surviving. The Airport Show will remain a crucial platform in 2025 too for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region as US$1.3 trillion in airport development projects are readying to take off. The B2B platform will facilitate global companies to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and innovations designed to enhance airport operations, facility expansion, safety enhancement, improve passenger experiences and sustainability, and widen automation.”

A Market Outlook report by Beumer Group, says the airport industry is further optimising airport processes and the passenger experience to “radically change the way we fly.” Airports in 2025, according to the multinational intra-logistic solutions company, will face “increasing capacity challenges” to accommodate the “surge” in global air travel.  They added: “Current bottlenecks, like security checks, will add even more stress to the travel experience unless airports deploy innovative solutions in their processes. At the same time, increased automation is needed to meet the high passenger capacity demands.  Latest technology and automation solutions are reshaping airport operations and improving passenger experience while sustainability strategies are under the spotlight to meet the passenger need for improved Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.”

Passenger experience at airports is becoming crucial in 2025, which will be a record-breaking year for passenger volume, revenue generation, and setting standards higher. The airport industry is moving from a pre-digital to a post-digital age. The use of technology during travel will have a profound impact on how passengers interact with airports with demand focused more on automation and hands-on control over each step of their journey. Geneva-based SITA, the world’s leading specialist in air transport communications and Information Technology, says 83 percent of airport and airline IT leaders it surveyed believe that the demographic shift will be the most important influence on their passenger solutions strategy from 2025 onwards.

While French private equity firm, Ardian has become London Heathrow's largest shareholder with a 22.6% stake.

The combined 37.6% stake in LHR from Ferrovial and certain other FGP shareholders was confirmed in a deal on 12 December, which is reported to be worth a total of £3.26 billion.

Turqi Al-Nowaider, deputy governor and head of international investments for PIF, described London Heathrow as a “vital UK asset and a world-class airport,” as he said the investment  is in line with PIF’s strategy to support sectors and businesses as long-erm patterns as part of its global portfolio of assets.

“We believe in the importance of infrastructure as a key sector in supporting the transition to net zero. Heathrow acts as a crucial gateway to the world and we look forward to supporting Heathrow’s management in its efforts to secure the sustainable growth of the airport and to continue to maintain its position as a global aviation hub.”

The UK’s chancellor of the exchequer, the Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves, underlined the UK government’s support for the deal, as she said: “Our number one mission is to deliver economic growth in every part of the UK to improve living standards. Attracting investment to our shores supports that goal.

“It’s also a strong vote of confidence in the UK and comes on top of the £63 billion of investment secured from international investors earlier this year, showing that Britain is back in business.”

The news of the investment in Heathrow was followed by an announcement that Saudi Arabia’s PIF are also the favourite to bid for a stake in Newcastle Airport in the UK, which is being put for sale by its current owners in a deal that could fetch as much as £1 billion.

The carrier’s dedicated lounge opened its doors earlier today to welcome Business Class passengers.

The modern 900-square-metre Business Class Lounge can accommodate more than 200 passengers. The lounge is located after the passport control and security lanes at Dubai International’s Terminal 2 Departure area. The boarding gate for Business Class passengers is located in the lounge where passengers can board the dedicated Business Class buses for their flights. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer said at the opening: “This year, flydubai is celebrating a milestone in its journey marking 15 years of operations. We remain committed to constantly evolving and investing in enhancing customer experience whether in the air or on the ground. The new lounge will provide an enjoyable and seamless travel experience for our Business Class passengers from Terminal 2 in Dubai. We would like to thank the airport authorities for their support to officially welcome customers to the new beautifully designed space.”

The provider in air transport technology solutions will provide advanced airport systems for enhanced passenger processing and operations at the new terminal.

RSI is a pivotal part of The Red Sea destination, developed by Red Sea Global. By 2030, the airport is expected to serve one million guests annually, with a peak capacity of 900 passengers per hour. A digitally powered passenger journey will be instrumental to handling this level of traffic while avoiding bottlenecks and keeping the passenger journey smooth and pleasant. 

Under this new agreement, SITA will deliver smart solutions powering everything from passenger processing to baggage reconciliation, airport operations, and beyond. SITA Flex and SITA’s Maestro departure control system together will automate check-in and departure processes and allow passengers to use their mobile device as their remote control for the journey.

SITA Bag Manager will provide advanced baggage reconciliation; tracking every bag loaded onto a plane, ULD, or cart in real time throughout the airport, the solution will offer passengers peace of mind and free up staff to focus on more complex tasks. A suite of airport management solutions will ensure RSI harnesses the power of data to monitor and swiftly reallocate resources where they are most needed, while SITA’s Information Display Systems will keep passengers fully informed with down-to-the-minute flight updates. 

RSI will benefit from swift and economical implementation of all SAS in the new terminal building as SITA leverages the infrastructure already deployed in the Air Taxi Terminal, as well as streamlined operations thanks to full interoperability of these solutions. 

Selim Bouri, President, Middle East & Africa, SITA, said: "As the region gears up to welcome more travelers than ever before, RSI’s Main Terminal Building rises to the challenge of welcoming them effectively and efficiently. Our comprehensive suite of solutions will ensure smooth operations for the airport’s teams while enhancing the passenger experience every step of the way. We are proud to have gained the trust and confidence of Red Sea International Airport through our work together so far and look forward to a longstanding collaboration."

Andrew Tyler Smith, chief guest experience officer, Red Sea International Airport, said: “As the key gateway to The Red Sea destination, our vision is to integrate cutting-edge technological solutions that will make us a world-leading facility. Our aim is not only to enhance the guest experience from the moment of touchdown, but also to firmly establish our commitment to sustainability. By leveraging advanced innovations, we aim to demonstrate our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Technological innovation will be the backbone of our offering. In SITA we have found a trusted technology partner attuned to that mission and able to deliver the agile, reliable, and seamlessly interoperable solutions to make our vision a reality.”

The flight conducted by IndiGo, the launch carrier for the airport, verified the airport’s approach procedures, confirming the accuracy and functionality of its navigational aids and air traffic control systems. This crucial step demonstrates NIA's adherence to the stringent safety and operational standards required for commercial operations. Following the validation flight, NIA will finalise the required documentation for aerodrome certification and submit it to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This flight builds upon the successful October calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems by the Airports Authority of India, supported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and successful Simulator trials of the RNP (Required Navigation Performance) procedures. This calibration ensures the highest safety standards for aircraft operations at NIA.

Christoph Schnellmann, CEO, Noida International Airport, said: "The successful completion of validation flights at Noida International Airport is a proud moment for our entire team. This milestone reflects the dedication and meticulous planning that has gone into ensuring the airport is ready for commercial operations. We are gearing up for the airport’s opening and look forward to welcoming passengers to the airport.” 

The validation flight is being conducted on an Airbus A-320 to test the RNP (Required Navigation Performance) procedures and ILS approach procedures. RNP is a set of navigation specifications that allow aircraft to fly precise flightpaths with high accuracy.

The programme aims to reduce bird strikes by 40% through strategic waste management and underscores the airline's commitment to ensuring "Safety in the Skies" while supporting local communities and ecosystems.

Bird strikes present a significant global aviation challenge, causing approximately $1.2 billion in damages annually, with up to 90% occurring near airports during takeoff and landing phases. Entebbe International Airport, situated near the biodiverse Mabamba Bay wetlands, has experienced 21 bird strikes as of June 2024, many involving Spur-winged geese attracted by improperly managed fish waste along Lake Victoria's shores.

The Flight Path Sustainability Project aims to address this issue by reducing bird activity near flight paths, improving waste management practices, and fostering sustainability within surrounding communities.

The project seeks to:

·       Reduce Bird Strikes: Achieve a 40% decrease in bird concentrations around Entebbe International Airport through strategic waste management solutions.

·       Environmental Conservation: Protect Mabamba Bay, a critical ecosystem for diverse bird species, while maintaining ecological balance.

·       Sustainability: Promote sustainable waste practices to create a cleaner and safer environment for aviation operations and local residents.

·       Community Support: Empower women fish traders in Kigungu by enhancing hygiene and encouraging innovative recycling solutions.

Kigungu Central, a key area within Entebbe Municipality, generates substantial waste due to its active fishing industry, processing 4–5 tonnes of fish daily. Despite the local fish processing plant's compliance with waste disposal standards, challenges such as plastic pollution and improper waste practices persist. The project aims to transform waste management in Kigungu by inspiring behavior change, fostering recycling, and introducing innovative waste repurposing solutions, such as converting fish scales into industrial raw materials.

The Flight Path Sustainability Project is expected to deliver transformative benefits, including cleaner shores along Lake Victoria through eco-friendly waste disposal practices, improved sanitation and quality of life for over 2,000 residents, particularly women fish traders, enhanced aviation safety through reduced bird activity near flight paths, and increased awareness and strengthened partnerships among stakeholders to support sustainable development.

Uganda Airlines CEO Mrs. Jenifer Bamuturaki said: "Today marks a significant milestone for Uganda Airlines as we reaffirm our commitment to aviation safety and environmental stewardship. The Flight Path Sustainability Project goes beyond safety, addressing environmental conservation, sustainability, and community support in a holistic way."

Shakila Rahim Lamar, Head of PR and Communications at Uganda Airlines, said: "Public awareness and collaboration are at the heart of this initiative. By tackling waste management challenges in Kigungu and inspiring sustainable practices, we are setting an example for the aviation industry and supporting community well-being."

Rulinda Fabrice, Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, added: "This initiative provides an opportunity to transform waste management in our Municipality, improve the quality of life for residents, and protect our local ecosystem. It is a vital partnership for the safety of our skies and the sustainability of our community."