FLYING HIGH: Abu Dhabi's International Airport will be one of the Middle East's largest.
A survey conducted on the region's airport construction has placed Abu Dhabi International Airport's (ADAC) US $6.8 billion (AED25 billion) masterplan as one of the largest airport developments in the Middle East.
The survey included all Gulf countries, Jordan, Iraq, India, Sri Lanka and the African continent.
The projected increase in commercial air traffic and tourism to the region has been a factor in prompting such infrastructure projects.
Mohamed Al Bulooki, director of marketing and communications, ADAC, said: "The Middle East and North Africa region will witness the world's largest growth in aviation industries between 2008 and 2011 - almost 40% more growth than the global average.
The master plan will allow the airport to grow up to and beyond 40 million passengers as well as handling over 2.5 million tonnes of cargo per year in the future.
By the end of 2011, the airport proposes to be able to handle up to 20 million passengers annually, a six-fold growth compared to its original design capacity (Terminal 1 only) of 3.5 million.
Later this year, a third terminal capable of handling another five million passengers a year will open while the Midfield Terminal will come on stream in late 2011.
Supporting these developments, a new 4,100m second runway and a new Air Traffic Control Complex will become operational in 2009, along with a new cargo terminal in 2010. The master plan also has provision for a four million m2 airport free trade zone and a host of other commercial development projects.
The survey was conducted by Streamline Marketing Group.
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