Asia Airport Infrastructure Boom Brings Global Aviation Leaders to Singapore

Singapore, 9 July 2026 – US$240 billion will be invested in Asia and Middle East airports over the next decade to prepare for almost 11 billion annual passengers by 2053, driving unprecedented demand for smarter, more secure and more sustainable airport operations.

Asia and Middle East airports are entering one of the largest infrastructure investment cycles in aviation history, with US$240 billion earmarked for new airports, terminal expansions and airport modernisation projects over the next decade. 

The investment is matched by equally significant operational and technological challenges. Airport operators must expand capacity while enhancing security, resilience, sustainability and the passenger experience, increasingly relying on technologies such as artificial intelligence, biometrics and automation.  

Passenger Terminal Expo Asia (PTE Asia) 

Against this backdrop, Passenger Terminal Expo Asia (PTE Asia) will make its debut on 23–24 September 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, bringing together airport CEOs, aviation authorities, government leaders and technology innovators from across Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia. The programme will examine the strategic opportunities and operational challenges shaping the next generation of airport infrastructure, operations and passenger experience. 

Dominic Pinfold, Event Director, Passenger Terminal Expo Asia, commented

“Asia is defining the next era of aviation. Decisions being made today on airport capacity, digital infrastructure, security, sustainability and passenger experience will shape how billions of passengers travel over the coming decades."

"PTE Asia has been created to bring together the airport leaders, policymakers and technology innovators responsible for that transformation. At a time of unprecedented investment across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, collaboration has never been more important." 

Building for 11 billion passengers 

According to Airports Council International (ACI), these airport investments will create capacity for an additional 1.24 billion passengers, reflecting the scale of aviation growth expected across the region. Passenger traffic is forecast to increase 4.8% annually across Asia and 5.4% annually across the Middle East between 2025 and 2028. 

By 2053, airports across the two regions are expected to handle almost 11 billion passengers annually—nearly three times today's traffic—cementing Asia as the engine of global aviation growth.  

This unprecedented expansion is already reshaping airport infrastructure across the region. Singapore is building Changi Airport Terminal 5, part of the wider Changi East development, increasing the airport's capacity from 90 million to more than 140 million passengers annually. Across Southeast Asia, Vietnam is constructing Long Thanh International Airport, Thailand is expanding its international gateways, and Indonesia is modernising Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is developing King Salman International Airport, and the UAE is expanding Al Maktoum International Airport into the world's largest airport by planned capacity.  

Global airport leaders and the future of aviation 

PTE Asia will bring together executives responsible for some of the world’s most innovative, fastest growing and strategically significant airports and aviation organisations. Speakers include senior leaders from Changi Airport Group, Aboitiz Operating Airports, King Salman International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Airports of Thailand, Narita International Airport Corporation, Uzbekistan Airports and the Civil Aviation University of China.  

Their projects and initiatives are reshaping global aviation — from major airport expansion programmes and next-generation terminal design to aviation security, digital transformation, operational resilience and passenger experience. Their perspectives span mature aviation hubs, rapidly expanding emerging markets and some of the world's largest airport development programmes. 

The conference programme will explore airport capacity planning, terminal development, artificial intelligence, biometrics, cybersecurity, automation, operational resilience, sustainability and airport decarbonisation, providing a forum for airport operators, airlines, regulators and technology providers to exchange practical experience and solutions. 

Where the APAC Airport Industry Connects 

Professionals from across the airport ecosystem can now secure their place at Passenger Terminal Expo Asia, bringing together airport operators, airlines, government authorities, technology providers, architects, consultants and infrastructure specialists from across Asia-Pacific. 

Exhibition passes are available from SGD$100, providing access to the exhibition floor, networking areas and innovation showcases. Full conference delegate passes, priced at SGD$500, include access to the complete conference programme, featuring strategic keynotes, expert discussions and specialist theatres exploring the future of airports, infrastructure and passenger experience. 

Complimentary attendance is available for qualifying airport, airline and public sector professionals. Senior executives may also be invited to participate in an exclusive VIP programme, offering executive networking opportunities, private briefings and curated peer-to-peer discussions.  

Places are subject to approval and qualification criteria. 

About Passenger Terminal Expo Asia 

Passenger Terminal Expo Asia is the newest regional edition of the globally recognised Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE World), the world's leading international airport conference and exhibition. 

Taking place on 23–24 September 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the event will bring together airport leaders, aviation authorities, airlines, architects, technology providers and infrastructure specialists to explore the future of airport operations and passenger experience across Asia-Pacific. 

For registration and further information, visit https://pte-asia.com/