The 4th edition of the Global Airports Forum (GAF) is set to take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) from December 16 to 17, spotlighting airport innovation. Prominent aviation industry players, including Saudia and Amadeus, will attend, alongside the launch of the Airport Innovation Hub and the Airport Innovation Trail.
The event is anticipated to draw over 250 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, attracting upwards of 10,000 participants. The forum will host an estimated 1,000 buyers from Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. Over 5,000 pre-scheduled meetings are expected, with more than 100 international speakers participating in the co-located Global Aviation Issues Conference (GAIC) and the Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly.
Focus on Airport Innovation and New Features
This year’s Global Airports Forum is introducing several new initiatives designed to highlight advancements and foster collaboration within the aviation sector. Four new features are scheduled: the Future GSE Display, Airport Innovation Hub, Airport Innovation Trail, and the Startups Hub.
Dedicated national pavilions from countries such as Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom will offer insights into country-specific advancements. These pavilions are expected to showcase innovations aimed at transforming the airport experience and operations.
Daksha Patel, Event Director at Niche Ideas, highlighted the forum’s significance, stating, “With most of the world’s leading aviation industry players coming onboard, Global Airports Forum 2025 will be a power-packed edition that will display new technology and discuss issues that are of vital interest to the rapidly-expanding industry.” Patel further noted that the increased number of new launches reflects the industry’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s vision for transforming global air travel.
Airport Innovation Hub and Trail
The inaugural Airport Innovation Hub and Airport Innovation Trail are designed to provide attendees with a curated experience focused on cutting-edge solutions. These features will guide visitors through innovations that contribute to aviation growth, covering areas such as passenger experience, operational efficiency, sustainability, safety, security, and revenue generation.
Companies participating in the Airport Innovation Trail will exhibit their latest products and technologies. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and interact with these offerings directly on the exhibition floor, providing a practical demonstration of new airport technologies.
Additionally, the forum will feature over 50 new exhibitors, signifying a growing interest in the Saudi Arabian aviation market and the Global Airports Forum as a platform for industry engagement. Key participants include flag-carrier Saudia, global travel technology provider Amadeus, and SolitAir.
The success of the Global Airports Forum in attracting international participation underscores its growing importance as a venue for discussing the future of air travel. The event’s focus on innovation aligns with broader trends in the aviation industry, emphasizing efficiency, passenger satisfaction, and sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, the Global Airports Forum 2025 is expected to set new benchmarks for airport development and collaboration. Further details regarding specific technology showcases or partnership announcements may emerge closer to the event dates. The continued expansion of international participation suggests a positive outlook for the aviation sector in the region.