$17.2bn investments in Dubai airports to go on

Investments into the expansion of Dubai airports, earmarked at a total of $17.2 billion (Dh63.16bn), will continue as passenger volumes maintain growth at the world's sixth largest airport for international passenger traffic despite the global economic downturn, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, confirmed on the second day of the week-long Paris Air Show at Le Bourget.

Dubai Airports has invested $7.2bn in expanding Dubai International with another $10bn allocated for the construction of Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport.

"These are challenging times for aviation. Passenger and cargo traffic has dropped dramatically in most parts of the world, leading to billions in industry losses," said Sheikh Ahmed, adding that Dubai has been a "beacon of hope" during these turbulent times.