The Gulf is cementing its status as a major force in commercial aviation, with state-of-the-art facilities being developed the region, writes ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK.

Contractors have started to lay the groundwork, involving the enabling works, ahead of construction of a new terminal building at Bahrain International Airport (BIA). The terminal, which is expected to be completed in early 2019, is part of Bahrain’s airport modernisation programme (AMP).

More than 600 exhibitors will present their latest developments and solutions for airports of the future at inter airport Europe, the world’s leading airport exhibition which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary show this year. The event is scheduled to be held from October 6 to 9 at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany.

The Abu Dhabi Airport Company has selected Sita’s advanced technology for Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Midfield Terminal, which will serve an estimated 30 million passengers annually from July 2017. In a five-year deal, the air transport IT specialist will provide a full range of integrated airport solutions.

Smiths Detection has recently secured a contract worth $125 million to provide a comprehensive range of advanced detection equipment for Abu Dhabi Airport’s new terminal.