- The Global Airports Forum (GAF), set for December 16–17 in Riyadh, has attracted over 200 nominations from 23 countries for the 3rd Airport Excellence Awards (AEA). Organised by Niche Ideas and sponsored by Matarat Holding, the awards celebrate global innovation and operational excellence in aviation.
- Saudi Arabia’s strong presence, alongside international players such as Groupe ADP, Leonardo SpA, and ADB Safegate, underscores the Kingdom’s growing role in aviation. This comes as Saudi airports set records in 2024, handling 128 million passengers, and prepare for over US$100 billion in aviation investments under Vision 2030.
The Global Airports Forum (GAF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh on December 16–17, has recorded a strong international response, receiving more than 200 nominations from 23 countries for the third edition of the Airport Excellence Awards (AEA). Organised by Niche Ideas and held under the main sponsorship of Matarat Holding, the awards spotlight innovation, operational excellence, and transformative initiatives across the global aviation ecosystem.
The scale and diversity of nominations underline aviation’s accelerating focus on capacity expansion, digitalisation, sustainability, and security. Saudi Arabia’s robust representation, alongside global aviation leaders such as Groupe ADP, Leonardo SpA, ADB Safegate, and BEUMER Group, reflects the Kingdom’s rapidly growing influence in shaping the future of airport development and operations.
This momentum coincides with a landmark year for Saudi aviation. In 2024, the Kingdom’s airports handled a record 128 million passengers, representing a 15% year-on-year increase, while flight activity rose by 10%. Air cargo volumes also surged by 34%, reaching 1.2 million tonnes, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s dual ambition as both a passenger and cargo aviation hub.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC), the fourth edition of GAF will convene airport operators, regulators, technology providers, and decision-makers from across the globe. The Airport Excellence Awards will recognise outstanding achievements across 10 categories, including Air Connectivity and Route Development, Airport Design and Infrastructure, Retail and Commercial Partnerships, Security, Staff Training and Human Capital Development, Baggage Handling, Ground Support Solutions, Innovation and Technology, Passenger Experience, and Sustainability and Environment.
Saudi nominees include Al Khalejiah Catering, Almabani General Contractors, Alvest Arabia Equipment Services, Etihad Salam, MAFA, METCO, Samana Special Mission, and Saudi Scales and Equipment, alongside regional operations of global players such as SITA, Surbana Consultants, UNITED ATS, and Black Arrow Trading and Services. Their participation highlights the Kingdom’s growing role as a testbed and showcase for next-generation airport solutions.
Daksha Patel, Event Director at Niche Ideas, said the awards reflect aviation’s enduring culture of innovation. “Despite some legacy systems still in use, aviation remains one of the world’s most innovative industries. GAF views innovation as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for aviation excellence and as a key driver of value for our attendees,” she said.
She added that the Airport Excellence Awards provide a global platform for showcasing “game-changing ideas and technologies” that help the industry remain at the forefront of progress, while enabling companies to engage directly with airport decision-makers and accelerate business growth.
International nominees span all major segments of the airport value chain and include Skyportz, IDEMIA Public Security, Adani Airports, GMR Airports, Daifuku Co., Ltd., Vanderlande, Plaza Premium Group, Datalogic S.p.A., and Leonardo SpA, underscoring the awards’ global reach and credibility.
Saudi Arabia’s long-term aviation vision continues to translate into large-scale investment. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom plans to invest more than US$100 billion in aviation, including over US$50 billion dedicated to airport development. The goal is to connect 250 global destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers annually, and handle 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030.
Recent milestones include the launch of the world’s largest passenger flow technology rollout in January 2025, using advanced LiDAR-based monitoring and management systems, and the introduction of the Middle East’s first Virtual Air Traffic Control Tower at Al Ula Airport in October, operated remotely from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.
According to Cirium, the global aviation analytics provider, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has seen a wave of ground-breaking announcements over the past two to three years, with the airport operations market projected to reach US$352 million by 2030.
As the region’s largest B2B airport industry platform, Global Airports Forum 2025 is expected to host more than 250 exhibitors from over 100 countries and attract upwards of 8,000 participants. New features this year include the Future GSE Display, Airport Innovation Hub, Airport Innovation Trail, and Startups Hub, alongside two international conferences, the Airport Buyer Meetings Programme, and the Airport Excellence Awards—cementing GAF’s position as a key global meeting point for the airport industry.
