Investments totaling more than $200 billion will likely to be spent for the design, construction and developments of new airports as well as upgrade and renovation of existing ones across the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa.
"Over $200 billion more is likely to be spent in the next two decades in the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, CIS and the Asia-Pacific region," said Inderjit Singh, Executive Director of the Airports Authority of India, according to Khaleej Times.
Singh warned, however, that airport development would spell travel nightmares for most passengers, as such massive construction projects would surely lead to delays and schedule changes.
He added at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition in Dubai that airport designers and operators have failed to take the consideration of passengers into proper account.
“The need of the day is not a grandiose statement of architectural styles vying with one another for awards, but safe and secure terminal buildings that are functional and flexible, convenient and comfortable, spacious and aesthetically pleasant,” he stressed.
Singh pointed out that airport terminal buildings should offer easy for passengers and a wide range of customer services.
"They should guarantee a quick response to passenger demands, be committed to reducing the traveler irritation factor. Security checks should be as unobtrusive yet effective. The movement of passengers should be smooth and unobstructed.”
He also stated that once the importance of passengers was realized, airport systems would improve.
