Saudia, Amadeus, Swissport, ADB SAFEGATE and FlyNow Aviation Unite at Global Airports Forum 2025 in Riyadh to Redefine the Future of Global Air Travel and Airport Innovation!

Published on December 12, 2025

The Global Airports Forum 2025 in Riyadh is set to become a pivotal event in the aviation industry. Saudia, Amadeus, Swissport, ADB SAFEGATE, and FlyNow Aviation are joining forces at this prestigious gathering to redefine the future of global air travel. This forum promises to be a game‑changer for the aviation world, offering an exclusive platform for leaders in aviation technology and innovation. With cutting‑edge advancements in airport infrastructure, passenger experience, and operational efficiency, these industry giants are set to showcase transformative solutions that will shape airports of tomorrow. Through collaboration and forward‑thinking strategies, the event will highlight how airports and airlines can elevate passenger experiences, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth.

The collaboration of such influential companies at the Global Airports Forum 2025 will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the entire aviation ecosystem, particularly in Riyadh, which is becoming a global hub for aviation innovation.

What Is the Global Airports Forum?

The Global Airports Forum is Saudi Arabia’s largest dedicated aviation and airport development event. Formerly known as the Saudi Airports Exhibition, the forum brings together aviation authorities, technology providers, infrastructure specialists and global airport operators in a two‑day platform designed to foster expansion, collaboration and innovation in airport ecosystems. The 2025 edition will take place on 16–17 December at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC).

Expansion: A Forum Redefined

Record Growth and Global Participation

The 2025 forum is set to be the largest in its history. Organisers report that the event will occupy an expanded footprint across four exhibition halls, featuring more than 300 international exhibitors, over 10,000 attendees and participants from more than 100 countries. The scale of this event underscores the growing significance placed on airport development and aviation infrastructure in the Middle East and globally.

This expansion reflects not just the ambitions of the forum itself, but a broader surge in airport construction, passenger traffic recovery and aviation market growth in the region and beyond.

Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambitions

Saudi Arabia’s drive to become a global aviation hub is central to the forum’s growth. Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, authorities are accelerating airport infrastructure expansion, planning large‑scale developments across major hubs such as King Salman International Airport and others that aim to boost passenger capacity dramatically by the end of the decade.

The forum serves as a focal point in this strategy by drawing investment, knowledge and global expertise to Riyadh and positioning the Kingdom at the centre of the airport development conversation.

Innovation: What’s on Display

Cutting‑Edge Technology for the Airports of Tomorrow

The Global Airports Forum places innovation front and centre, with technology displays spanning AI‑driven operations, smart baggage systems, biometric passenger processing and automated check‑in solutions. More than 50 new exhibitors will debut their latest technologies, showcasing solutions geared towards efficiency, safety and enhanced passenger experience.

Across the exhibit halls, visitors will encounter innovation hubs and special features such as the Airport Innovation Hub, Airport Innovation Trail and a dedicated Startups Hub — each designed to highlight new ideas that could reshape aviation operations in the next decade.

The Power of Collaboration

Organisers emphasise that innovation at GAF is not just about technology, but about forging strategic partnerships. Industry leaders will connect with buyers, investors and airport authorities from across the globe, fostering collaborations that could influence airport digital transformation projects, sustainability programmes and operational enhancements worldwide.

A spokesperson for one of the leading engineering firms participating in the event explained that the forum brings together suppliers and operators in a way that strengthens industry partnerships while driving smart solutions for airports and travel hubs. This emphasis on collaboration underscores the event’s reputation not only as a showcase, but as a business‑building powerhouse.

Strategic Conferences and Thought Leadership

Global Aviation Issues Conference

A major component of the forum is the Global Aviation Issues Conference, co‑located with the exhibition. This conference will delve into evolving dynamics within the industry, including emerging technology adoption, security challenges, air cargo’s role in international trade and the implementation of digital transformation across airport operations.

Experts from around the world are expected to contribute insights on how data, artificial intelligence and other technologies are redefining operational agility, passenger safety and strategic planning — all of which are increasingly important in a post‑pandemic aviation landscape.

Women in Aviation General Assembly

Another highlight is the Women in Aviation General Assembly, held during the forum to spotlight diversity, equity and workforce development. Recent industry reports indicate that women hold around 17 per cent of leadership positions within Saudi airports, and initiatives like Riyadh Air’s all‑female engineering programme are helping to shift that balance. This assembly aims to accelerate opportunities for women and drive inclusion across all aspects of the aviation sector.

Key Aviation Companies and Industry Participants at Global Airports Forum 2025

1. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is confirmed as one of the prominent exhibitors at GAF 2025. As the country’s largest airline, Saudia operates flights to more than 140 destinations worldwide and continues rapid network and fleet expansion, aiming to significantly grow connectivity by 2030. Its participation highlights the airline’s increasing role in airport innovation, passenger experience optimisation and regional aviation development.

2. Amadeus

Amadeus is a global leader in travel technology, providing advanced IT solutions that power airline reservations, departure control systems, airport operations and passenger service systems. The company’s presence at GAF reflects the critical role of digital transformation in modern airports, especially in areas such as self‑service check‑in, biometric processing and passenger data integration.

3. Esnad Al Shabakah

Esnad Al Shabakah is a major aerospace and aviation services provider participating at the forum. The company focuses on comprehensive aviation support services ranging from ground handling to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, airport logistics, and sector‑specific technical solutions — making it a significant regional contributor to airport and airline infrastructure development.

4. EPG (Enterprise Process Group)

EPG (often referred to as EPG Aviation or EPG in global industry publications) is a software provider specialising in unified supply chain software and automation solutions. Its participation emphasises the growing importance of integrated logistics and process optimisation tech in airport operations, cargo handling efficiency and ground support services.

5. Tecnica Proyectos

Tecnica Proyectos is a Spanish engineering consultancy engaged in transport infrastructure and clean energy solutions. Its exhibition presence signals an emphasis on sustainable airport development, terminal infrastructure design and project engineering services that meet global standards for efficiency and environmental performance.

6. FlyNow Aviation

FlyNow Aviation is an innovator in urban air mobility, known for developing eCopters — electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for intra‑city and urban transport. Its participation at GAF indicates broader interest in future air mobility solutions, which could integrate with airport ecosystems as passenger demand evolves.

7. Ghafari Associates

Ghafari Associates is a globally recognized architecture, engineering and consulting firm. It provides integrated design services for airport terminals, aviation infrastructure and complex transport facilities. Their involvement at the forum highlights the critical role of engineering and architectural expertise in shaping future airport environments.

8. ADB SAFEGATE

ADB SAFEGATE — a leading provider of airport performance solutions — is confirmed as an exhibitor at the Global Airports Forum 2025. The company specialises in runway lighting systems, airfield ground lighting, gate‑to‑gate optimisation and integrated traffic management technologies that improve safety, efficiency and sustainability at major airports worldwide.

9. Swissport Saudi Arabia

Swissport, a global ground handling and cargo services provider, is actively participating in the forum, showcasing its commitment to enhancing ground operations across Saudi airports. Swissport handles a significant share of international flights in the Kingdom and invests in advanced handling solutions to drive operational excellence at airports.

10. INFORM

INFORM — a technology company specialising in AI‑driven operational decision support — is participating at GAF under the German Pavilion. The firm focuses on intelligent automation for airports, including congestion prediction, resource optimisation and passenger processing systems, strengthening the role of AI in airport operations.

Additional Industry Representation and Exhibitor Profiles

While the above companies represent some of the most prominent aviation and airport‑related participants confirmed for GAF 2025, the broader event exhibitor directory also features a wide range of airport tech suppliers, airport operators, infrastructure firms, ground‑handling specialists and aviation authorities from across the globe. These include but are not limited to smaller specialised firms involved in radar systems, aviation safety solutions, passenger experience technologies and airport construction services. Global Airports Forum

Additionally, national and regional pavilions — including delegations from European countries (such as the German Pavilion) and other international trade groups — strengthen cross‑border collaboration and highlight specialised clusters of aviation technology providers.

Sector Focus Areas Highlighted by Participants

Across the participating aviation companies and tech providers, several common themes emerge:

Digital Transformation and Smart Airports
Companies like Amadeus, INFORM and EPG are emphasising digital systems, AI and automation that streamline airport workflow and yield efficiencies in passenger processing, security screening and baggage handling.

Passenger Experience and Biometric Technologies
With solutions that enhance self‑service, touchless interaction and real‑time traveller insights, exhibitors are addressing the growing demand for seamless, secure journey experiences at major global hubs.

Infrastructure Engineering and Sustainability
Consultancies such as Tecnica Proyectos and Ghafari Associates are showcasing sustainable design and infrastructure planning solutions, responding to global aviation trends that prioritise eco‑efficient terminals and carbon‑reduction strategies.

Next‑Generation Air Mobility
Innovators like FlyNow Aviation signal emerging segments such as electric air mobility and urban air transport that may integrate with airport ecosystems in the years ahead.

Networking that Shapes the Future

Beyond talks and exhibits, the Global Airports Forum offers powerful networking opportunities. Airlines, airport operators and innovation leaders will have exclusive access to hosted buyer programmes, one‑to‑one meetings and strategic roundtables designed to turn discussions into partnerships.

Many exhibitors are deploying national pavilions to showcase their country’s airport industry strengths and attract investment — turning this forum into a global marketplace for ideas, talent and technology.

What It Means for Travellers

While the forum is primarily industry‑facing, its impact will be felt by global travellers in practical ways. Technologies such as AI‑enabled passenger processing, more efficient baggage handling and digital connectivity are all geared towards smoother journeys, reduced delays and safer, more satisfying airport experiences. Airlines and airports are increasingly prioritising solutions that cut wait times, boost security and personalise services — innovations that were foregrounded here and will soon be rolled out across airports worldwide.

Beyond 2025: A Catalyst for Growth

As the Global Airports Forum closes in December, many participants will be bringing business deals, partnerships and pilot programmes back to their home organisations. These initiatives are likely to influence aviation policy, technology investment and infrastructure projects well into 2026 and beyond.

The forum’s success in Riyadh also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a strategic aviation hub — not just in the Middle East, but on the global stage. For industry professionals and travellers alike, this event highlights the momentum behind airport innovation and the unfolding future of global air travel.