Dubai Airports has announced plans to invest Dh22 billion in the expansion of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum Airport by 2020.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of parent-company Dubai World Central revealed during the recent Airport Show 2011, organised by REED Exhibitions, the plans would increase the capacity of the Dubai Airport to 90 million passengers annually.

The number will increase from the current 60 million upon the completion of all expansion designs that comprise the construction of the Concourse 4, the expansion of Terminal 2 at Dubai airport, and the improvement of services at Dubai Airport.

Zaffin also confirmed Dh4 billion will be invested in the development of the aviation city and the residential city at Al Maktoum Airport at the Dubai World Central.

In March, Dubai Airports said the opening of the passenger terminal at the new Al Maktoum airport, estimated to cost around $34bn, would be further delayed till next year.

Mohamed Ahmed Abed, director general of King Abdulaziz International Airport, said: “Our participation at the Airport Show 2011 as a sponsor provided great business opportunities.

“This year the Airport Show witnessed participants from across the world and this indicates the establishment of this exhibition as an international event.

“The event brings together large number of veterans in the airport industry around the world and undoubtedly, this platform provides great opportunity for all participants to exchange ideas and keep abreast to latest developments in modern airports.”