Airport development in the Middle East, Africa and the Subcontinent shows no sign of slowing with an estimated $60 billion in planned and ongoing projects.

Fuelled by strong economic growth and increased passenger traffic, the region is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.

Bahrain is currently involved in an expansion costing more than $800 million.

Other major projects currently underway in the Gulf include the $8.2 billion Dubai World International Airport at Jebel Ali, the $ 6.8 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, the $ 5.5 billion new Doha International Airport in Qatar and the $11.3 billion upgrade of King Abdul Aziz, Madinah and Tabuk airports in Saudi Arabia.

To match the continuing demand for airport supplies, the Airport Show has expanded its exhibition programme and preparations are well underway for its return to the Airport Expo Dubai next year.

Now in its eighth year the show runs from June 2 to 4 next year.

Next year's show is expected to attract 750 of the world's leading airport and aviation suppliers, making it one of the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services shows in the world.

'In the Middle East alone, airport developments and expansions are worth in excess of $37bn,' said Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Airport Show director Nick Webb.

'An outstanding opportunity exists for airport suppliers and contractors to capitalise on this growth and meet with various developers across the region at the 2008 Airport Show.'

Three new exhibition areas - air traffic control, ground handling and aviation security will have a dedicated forum at next year's show and two new conferences - baggage handling and emergency planning, will make their debut.

The event will also host 12 national pavilions, representing countries such as Germany, France, UK, Canada, China, Singapore, India, Australia and Spain.

The expanded show will cover over 17,000 sq m of exhibition space which is a 35 per cent increase on the previous year, and 30pc more exhibition space has already been sold compared to this time last year. -TradeArabia News Service