The united Arab emirates has invested 1 trillion dirhams (about $270 billion) in airport infrastructure and development projects, according to figures released by the uae civil aviation authority (GCAA).

SiafAlSuwaidi, director-general of the uae civil aviation authority, said the investments involved projects across the uae, which has 884 commercial aircraft. In his statement, Mr. AlSuwaidi also said he believed it was necessary to inject more capital into airport construction to keep pace with the development of the aviation industry.

The total number of air passengers worldwide is expected to reach 4.72bn in 2020, up 4 per cent year on year, according to the international air transport association (IATA).