Emirates and Dubai Airports are set to reach pre-Covid levels of activity within a year through intense efforts underway following strong economic recovery, a top official says.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, said Dubai International Airport (DXB) will return to full operational capacity by next week and reopen Concourse A. “Concourse A opening will provide a positive impetus to the aviation sector in the country,” he said.

Sheikh Ahmed added with confidence that both Emirates and DXB will return to activity levels of pre-Covid in the next 12 months.

“Efforts being made to coordinate with different countries and aviation authorities across the world will make this possible,” he said, while noting that Dubai authorities are restoring the high passenger numbers as were before the pandemic. Before the pandemic, the DXB annually handled 90 million international passengers, making it one of the world’s busiest international airports. The airport will handle 28.7 million passengers this year, which will be an increase of two million from an earlier forceast post relaxation of restrictions for air travel.

Sheikh Ahmed added that discussions are ongoing with authorities in multiple destinations worldwide to resume normal schedules of flights.

Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai Airshow has made major strides since its foundation in 1989 to develop as one of world’s most prominent aviation and aerospace events. He added it is the largest aviation and aerospace event to be held since the pandemic. “The 17th edition of Dubai Airshow, which concludes on 18 November, is seeking to achieve record numbers of visitors this year,” he said.

Dubai Airshow’s can host 1,200 exhibitors, including 370 new ones, representing 148 countries, this year. “Companies in the sector are looking to the Dubai Airshow as an event that can help chart a new course for the industry following the pandemic,” he said.

Sheikh Ahmed noted that the Dubai Airshow offers the industry with an opportunity to explore new partnerships and alliances. The five-day event, that will end on Thursday, is expected to witness multiple companies announcing deals for aircraft, services, infrastructure and defence worth billions of dollars.

Emirates Airline is set to announce a number of deals related to aircraft and revamping of customer services during Dubai Airshow. This will be a part of the company’s strategy to raise quality standards constantly. “The company’s performance is linked to the further reopening of key destinations and the easing of travel restrictions across the world,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

He also appreciated Emirates SkyCargo for utilizing its cargo transportation capabilities from both DXB and Al Maktoum Airport during the last two years to deliver aid to many countries, supporting them combat the pandemic. “Emirates played a leading role in using its logistics infrastructure to transport vaccines, medical supplies and equipment around the world during the crisis,” Sheikh Ahmed concluded.