Airport ground handler Menzies considers expansion in Gulf, Syria and US despite war uncertainty

Menzies Aviation, a global ground handling services provider, plans to expand its operations in the Gulf, Syria, and the United States, despite ongoing uncertainties related to the Iran war and associated travel disruptions. The company's CEO, Hassan El-Houry, stated that Menzies is keen to serve airports in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which he described as having a "very fast-growing, large, dynamic" market. Menzies has already established operations in Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt.

The Syrian market is of particular interest to Menzies as the country reconnects with the global travel and financial markets. El-Houry mentioned that the company is taking a long-term view on all investment opportunities, including those in the volatile Middle East region. He emphasized that Menzies will objectively assess the economic and legal aspects of any potential market before making a decision.

In the United States, Menzies has significantly expanded its footprint in the past two years, currently serving 108 airports. The company aims to continue growing in the US, following its acquisition of Texas-based G2 Secure Staff for $305 million in August 2025. This strategic move strengthens Menzies' position in the US market, which is crucial for its future growth plans.

Despite the challenges posed by the Iran war, including soaring fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainties, Menzies remains optimistic about its growth prospects. The CEO highlighted the resilience of Gulf airlines in restoring their route networks to nearly 90% of pre-war levels, despite the ongoing crisis. He also noted that airlines are becoming more cost-conscious and aggressive in cutting expenses, which presents opportunities for service providers like Menzies to adapt and thrive.