As we approach the 2025 edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the air connectivity landscape in the Middle East is undergoing a transformative phase. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye are emerging as key global aviation hubs, with their strategic positions set to reshape the future of travel and tourism in the region. A detailed analysis of the international air seat availability for 2025 reveals significant growth trends across nine Middle Eastern countries.

The Middle East is recognized as one of the most dynamic regions in the global air travel network. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye serve as crucial connecting points for travelers moving between the East and West, as well as within the region. The data shows that these nine countries—Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—are expected to collectively account for 12% of global inbound air seats scheduled for 2025, underscoring the importance of the Middle East as a major travel corridor for international tourists and business travelers.

The UAE and Türkiye are positioned at the forefront of this growth, with both nations maintaining their status among the top 10 countries worldwide for international air connectivity. By 2025, the UAE is expected to rank 7th globally with 88.9 million international air seats available, while Türkiye is projected to hold the 9th position with 75.6 million seats. Both countries have shown impressive resilience and growth, driven by strategic investments in aviation infrastructure and their airlines.

As global air travel continues to recover from the pandemic, the Middle East’s aviation sector is projected to grow at a rate faster than other regions. The UAE is expected to see a year-over-year increase of +6.1% in international air seats, while Türkiye anticipates a +6.3% increase. Although these growth rates are slightly lower than the global average of +6.5%, they still indicate a strong upward trajectory for both countries.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a remarkable rise in air connectivity, currently ranked as the third-best connected country in the region and among the top 20 globally. Since 2019, the Kingdom has seen its inbound seat capacity surge by +38%, with a projected 8% increase in international air seats expected in 2025, bringing the total to 43.1 million seats. This impressive growth positions Saudi Arabia as a strong contender against other regional aviation hubs, particularly the UAE and Qatar. Factors such as the Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance tourism, significantly contribute to this growth.

Qatar’s aviation market is also stabilizing after a period of rapid expansion. Although its growth in inbound air seats has not reached the heights of Saudi Arabia’s, Qatar remains the fourth-best connected country in the Middle East and ranks 25th globally. Over the past five years, Qatar has witnessed a +14% increase in inbound air seats, and steady growth is anticipated for 2025.

Conversely, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait face challenges in their aviation markets. Oman has experienced a significant decline of -19.6% in international air seats since 2019, with an expected decrease of -3.1% in 2025. Similarly, Bahrain and Kuwait are projected to see declines of -3.9% and -4.4%, respectively. To reverse these trends, these countries must enhance their strategies for attracting long-haul travelers and optimize existing routes.

On a more positive note, Egypt and Jordan are emerging as stars in air connectivity, with Egypt’s inbound air seat capacity projected to grow by +11.4% in the next six months and +8.1% throughout the year, reaching 28 million seats. This growth reinforces Egypt’s status as a leading international destination, particularly due to its rich history and increasing appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Jordan is also expected to see a substantial increase in inbound air connectivity, with growth projected at +13%, which is nearly double the global growth rate.

In summary, the findings highlight the evolving dynamics of air connectivity in the Middle East. While the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye solidify their roles as regional aviation hubs, countries like Egypt and Jordan are rapidly gaining prominence. However, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait must innovate and adapt to maintain their aviation profiles. The upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai will provide a critical platform for discussing these trends and the future of air travel in the region.