Aircraft
Dubai Airshow Stands Out for Airliner Orders and Military Surprises
More than 300 new aircraft orders and commitments anticipated during show week
Surya Kiran flying display at Dubai Airshow 2025
Surya Kiran (Rays of the Sun) aerobatic demonstration team of the Indian Air Force at Dubai Airshow 2025. © David McIntosh/AIN

The Gulf, where blockbuster commercial aviation demand converges with rising regional military spending, is arguably the prime location for a major aerospace and defense event. With the UAE consistently demonstrating its willingness to handle international relations in its own unique way, the Dubai Airshow this week is poised to make its mark as the industry closes 2025.

Spending by airlines, airports, and other civil aviation service providers in the Middle East is projected to exceed $28 billion this year, on track to surpass $35 billion by 2030. Last week, the IBA consultancy predicted that more than 300 new commercial aircraft orders and commitments would be announced during the show. Based on very approximate average pricing, this business could add around $60 billion to the year-end tally.