| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 485.73 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 894.54 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 12.99 % |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
MEA Smart Airport Market Analysis
The Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market size is estimated at USD 485.73 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 894.54 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.99% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The construction of several new airports in the Middle East is expected to generate significant demand for smart technologies in the coming years. Countries in Africa have plans to enhance airport passenger handling capacity, which may propel the market's growth during the forecast period.
The increased passenger traffic resulted in mounting pressure on airports and airlines, primarily to opt for advanced systems that can enhance their ground operations and support their motive of reducing aircraft turnaround time. Correspondingly, airports are using an array of automated technologies to facilitate the smooth flow of passengers and reduce aircraft turnaround times, thereby increasing their efficiency and the overall passenger experience.
The growing emphasis on adopting technologies like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive analysis for a wide range of airport applications to enhance the operational efficiency of airports is expected to drive the market in the coming years. Implementing intelligent solutions, such as advanced passenger processing systems, IoT devices, and data analytics platforms, demands considerable capital. Airports must invest in upgrading their physical infrastructure, including IT networks, sensors, and communication systems. Moreover, they must allocate funds for software development, training, and maintenance. These investments can be a barrier, particularly for smaller airports or regions with limited financial resources.
MEA Smart Airport Market Trends
Security Systems to Dominate Market Share
The security systems segment is projected to dominate the intelligent airport industry. Security is paramount in the aviation industry, given the high-stakes nature of air travel. Smart airports heavily invest in cutting-edge security technologies to ensure the safety of passengers and assets. Technological advancements such as biometric authentication, video analytics, and AI-driven threat detection systems have revolutionized airport security.
Biometrics, for example, enhances authentication processes by using unique physical attributes like fingerprints and facial recognition. This not only bolsters security but also expedites passenger processing. Additionally, advanced surveillance and video analytics enable airports to monitor and respond to security threats in real-time. Machine learning algorithms can detect unusual behavior patterns and potential risks, improving safety.
The growth of air travel and the increasing complexity of threats make security systems indispensable. These technologies keep passengers safe and streamline operations by reducing false alarms and enhancing overall efficiency. For instance, DataDirect Networks was selected by Hamad International Airport in May 2023 to provide advanced data storage solutions to improve security measures. The DDN solutions were chosen due to their performance, scale, and cost-effectiveness combination. To meet both primary and secondary recordings of more than 100 Petabytes, DDN has implemented a high-performance EXAScaler 7990 system with IntelliFlash 6200 systems.
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Saudi Arabia is Expected to Witness Significant Growth in the Middle East and African Smart Airport Market
Saudi Arabia witnessed a surge of 26% in air traffic and flight movements from airports in 2023; the country saw 403,000 flights by June 2023. The government has been investing in promoting tourism and attracting visitors, including the "Vision 2030" plan. As tourism and business travel increase, the demand for efficient, secure, and technologically advanced airport services rises. Saudi Arabia's strategic location as a central connecting hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a vital region for aviation. This naturally leads to a need for advanced airport technologies and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has undertaken an airport privatization program. This move is expected to increase the adoption of intelligent technologies in the country's airports.
In 2018, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation collaborated with SITA to modernize the country’s 26 airports by installing self-service-based procedures with kiosks, automated bag drops, and biometric single-token travel and payment systems. Also, in October 2023, the Saudi Government unveiled the master plan for the new Abha Airport, which would handle more than 90,000 flights annually and integrate 20 gates and 41 check-in counters, including seven new self-service check-in kiosks. Also, in November 2023, Saudi-based Innovative Contracts for Advanced Dimensions (ICAD) selected Collins Aerospace to deliver, deploy, and support services for airport and passenger processing systems for the Neom Bay Airport at Neom City. Such developments are expected to bolster the country's market prospects during the forecast period.
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MEA Smart Airport Industry Overview
The Middle East and African smart airport market is consolidated, with only a handful of players accounting for a major share of the market revenues. SITA, Honeywell International Inc., IBM, Siemens AG, and Amadeus IT Group, S.A. are some of the major players in the market. Mergers and acquisitions between the players in the recent past have helped the companies strengthen their market presence.
Players are expected to adopt new technologies, like AI, automation, robotics, etc., into their products and solutions, which will help them gain new contracts with the airports. For instance, SITA offers advanced passenger processing and baggage tracking systems. Meanwhile, Honeywell specializes in cutting-edge security technologies, encompassing biometrics and surveillance. IBM offers comprehensive data analytics and AI solutions, enhancing operational efficiency. Competition fosters continuous technological advancement, resulting in increasingly sophisticated and interconnected smart airport ecosystems.
MEA Smart Airport Market Leaders
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SITA
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Honeywell International Inc.
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IBM
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Amadeus IT Group, S.A.
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Siemens AG
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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MEA Smart Airport Market News
In August 2023, Dubai International Airport announced a USD 2.7 billion expansion plan scheduled to be completed by 2030. As part of the expansion, new scanning systems will be set up at the airport, to ensure that passengers do not have to put their liquids or laptops in their luggage when entering the checkpoints. Dubai International Airport is envisioned to become a major smart airport, courtesy of the opening of new business partnerships, added lounges, and more circulation space, as well as investment in new technologies.
In May 2023, Serco entered into a partnership with Pangiam to provide technology-enabled guest experiences at airports in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as revolutionize operations and secure and efficient transport of people and goods. Using the power of information to optimize these operations, the contract is designed to facilitate faster and more efficient processes, reduce waiting times, and increase efficiency in security and safety checks.
MEA Smart Airport Industry Segmentation
Smart airports are designed to integrate several data channels, including Wi-Fi and 4G, to allow unified cloud-based communications, video, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data platforms. Smart airports use various technologies to improve their efficiency and connectivity, from integrated sensors for monitoring temperature and lighting, smart baggage tags for tracking and directing luggage to the aircraft, biometric check-ins with facial recognition, and cargo warehousing management.
The Middle East and Africa smart airport market is segmented by technology and geography. By technology, the market is segmented into security systems, communication systems, air/ground traffic control, passenger, cargo, and baggage control, ground handling systems, and other technologies. The report also offers the market size and forecasts for five countries across the region. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on value (USD)
| Technology | Security Systems | ||
| Communication Systems | |||
| Air/Ground Traffic Control | |||
| Passenger, Cargo, and Baggage Control | |||
| Ground Handling Systems | |||
| Other Technologies | |||
| Geography | Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | |
| United Arab Emirates | |||
| Turkey | |||
| Egypt | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
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MEA Smart Airport Market Research FAQs
How big is the Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market?
The Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market size is expected to reach USD 485.73 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 12.99% to reach USD 894.54 million by 2030.
What is the current Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market size?
In 2025, the Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market size is expected to reach USD 485.73 million.
Who are the key players in Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market?
SITA, Honeywell International Inc., IBM, Amadeus IT Group, S.A. and Siemens AG are the major companies operating in the Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market.
What years does this Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market size was estimated at USD 422.63 million. The report covers the Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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MEA Smart Airport Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
