Sustainable Airport Expansion Thrives in Gulf and Philippine Aviation Sectors
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia in the Gulf region, along with airlines in the Philippines, are investing in sustainable airport expansion and eco-friendly aviation practices to meet growing environmental concerns.
Airport Expansion and Sustainability Initiatives in the Gulf and Philippine Aviation Sectors
In mid-April, Dubai’s aviation industry faced a significant disruption due to severe flooding at Dubai International Airport (DXB). However, less than two weeks later, the Dubai government announced revitalized plans for expanding Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC). Upon completion of its second phase, DWC will span 70 square kilometers (27 square miles) and be capable of handling 260 million passengers annually.
Abu Dhabi is also enhancing its aviation infrastructure, with recent additions to Zayed International Airport that increase its capacity to 45 million passengers per year, with plans to reach 65 million in the next decade. Similarly, Saudi Arabia is making substantial investments in its aviation sector, including launching two new airlines and constructing a new airport near Riyadh with a capacity of 120 million passengers annually, as well as expanding Jeddah airport to eventually accommodate over 100 million travelers.
Qatar’s Hamad Airport in Doha also aims to increase its capacity to 70 million passengers annually. These expansions reflect the Gulf region’s commitment to bolstering its aviation industry, a significant contributor to these economies. However, this growth is set against a backdrop of increasing pressure to decarbonize, with a particular focus on securing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to meet new environmental mandates.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, low-cost airlines are also committing to sustainability. At the 2024 Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit in Cebu, leaders from AirAsia Philippines and Cebu Pacific (CEB) emphasized their dedication to environmental protection. AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla highlighted the need for developing technological infrastructure, policies, regulations, and technical capabilities for SAF in the country. The airline is progressing with its Net Zero program, aiming to use SAF across its entire fleet.
Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao detailed the airline’s sustainability milestones in its 2023 sustainability report, “Sustained Momentum.” The airline’s initiatives include fleet modernization with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft, flight optimization, and comprehensive fuel efficiency practices, resulting in significant reductions in carbon emissions. CEB aims to have an all-NEO fleet by 2028.
These actions by both Gulf and Philippine airlines illustrate a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices amidst growing environmental concerns.