Gulf carriers drive 21% surge in Middle East air connectivity

The Middle East experienced a 21% surge in air connectivity growth in 2025, driven by the ongoing network expansion of Gulf carriers, according to the latest Air Connectivity Index from Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID). This growth was observed across 38 airports in the Middle East and 277 in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dubai International Airport topped the regional rankings as the leading hub, followed by Hamad International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Middle East. The report highlighted Sharjah International Airport as one of the most improved intermediate airports in the 15-25 million passenger category and Abu Dhabi International Airport as a strong performer in the 25-40 million passenger category.

Mid-sized gateways Medina and Muscat led the 5-15 million passenger tier through strategic route expansions and local development. Intercontinental travel from the Middle East grew by 9% year-on-year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 27%. However, early 2026 data showed a 23% contraction in direct connectivity due to geopolitical conflicts.

Overall, the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions saw an average 11% increase in air connectivity in 2025, with major hubs contributing to 83% to 97% of the growth. Chinese airports, including Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Beijing Capital, recorded significant gains, placing in the global top 10. The index growth slowed from 14% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, indicating a move towards long-term stabilization.

ACI APAC & MID director general Stefano Baronci emphasized the importance of sustained capacity building and recommended policy updates to support continued connectivity growth.