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Positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Middle East airports have evolved from regional gateways into some of the world’s most influential long-haul hubs.
Capitalising on modern hubs, which are well-located within an 8-hour flight from 80% of the world’s population, Middle East carriers will further connect people and economies in Europe, Africa and Asia. Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) projects the region’s airlines will need nearly 1,400 widebody passenger jets by 2044 – the largest share of new deliveries of all global regions – as they expand global connectivity with newer, more fuel-efficient fleets.
The aviation sector in the Middle East is positioned for unprecedented growth over the next two decades, with total aviation-related jobs projected to increase by 134%, the highest growth rate of any region globally, according to a comprehensive white paper released by Aviation Business ME and GE Aerospace.
The Middle East is the sixth largest region in the world based on available capacity, with 270 million one-way seats in 2024 placing the region ahead of Eastern Europe and behind South Asia.
For the travel trade, these airports determine route economics, passenger flows, alliance strategies, and destination growth.
This ranking reflects not just passenger numbers, but hub influence, airline dominance, infrastructure maturity, and strategic relevance to international travel and tourism.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates
Dubai International Airport remains the Middle East’s defining aviation hub. Despite capacity constraints, DXB continues to dominate international passenger traffic, underpinned by Emirates’ vast long-haul network and Dubai’s enduring appeal as a global destination.
For the travel trade, DXB’s importance is structural rather than cyclical: it anchors intercontinental itineraries, sustains high-frequency connectivity, and sets benchmarks for transit efficiency and commercial performance.
- Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
Hamad International Airport has built its reputation on precision rather than scale alone. As the hub of Qatar Airways, DOH has become a preferred transfer point for premium and long-haul travellers, reinforced by consistent global awards and operational reliability.
Its influence lies in yield quality, alliance relevance, and service consistency — attributes that continue to resonate strongly with airlines and trade partners alike.
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), United Arab Emirates
The opening of Terminal A marked a turning point for Abu Dhabi International Airport. Long positioned behind its Gulf neighbours, AUH is now structurally equipped to compete at scale, supported by Etihad Airways’ recalibrated network strategy.
For the travel trade, Abu Dhabi’s renewed momentum signals a market transitioning from ambition to execution.
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Saudi Arabia
Riyadh has emerged as the centre of gravity in Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion. King Khalid International Airport sits at the heart of Vision 2030, serving a fast-growing outbound market while positioning itself as a future intercontinental hub.
Its rising relevance is less about current volumes and more about trajectory — a factor trade planners can no longer ignore.
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia
Jeddah’s role is both historic and strategic. As the primary gateway for Hajj and Umrah, King Abdulaziz International Airport handles some of the world’s most complex seasonal traffic flows. Beyond religious travel, it is increasingly tied to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism ambitions.
Few airports globally combine such operational intensity with long-term destination significance.
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt
Cairo International Airport remains one of the most important aviation hubs linking the Middle East with Africa. High passenger volumes, strong VFR demand, and EgyptAir’s network breadth continue to anchor its position despite infrastructure pressures.
For the travel trade, Cairo is a volume-driven market with enduring regional relevance.
- Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait
Kuwait International Airport has quietly strengthened its role through phased expansion and improved passenger facilities. While not a mega-hub, it serves a resilient outbound market and remains strategically important for regional and South Asian connectivity.
Its value lies in consistency rather than scale.
- Muscat International Airport (MCT), Oman
Muscat International Airport reflects a different model of regional aviation — measured growth, strong national branding, and selective route development. As Oman Air’s hub, it supports a tourism strategy focused on culture, nature, and premium leisure rather than mass transit.
For the trade, Muscat is increasingly relevant to curated, high-value itineraries.
- Bahrain International Airport (BAH), Bahrain
Bahrain International Airport punches above its weight operationally. Its modern terminal and efficient processes support a steady mix of business, regional, and connecting traffic, reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a financial and commercial centre.
- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Saudi Arabia
Serving Medina, this airport’s importance is defined by purpose rather than scale. It is a critical node in global religious travel, handling intense seasonal demand with increasing efficiency as Saudi Arabia invests further in pilgrimage infrastructure.
SAFFA Fund has committed up to $30 million in a sustainable aviation fuel project being developed by SAF One Energy Management, marking a significant step toward establishing SAF production capacity in the Middle East.
Together, these airports illustrate the Middle East’s aviation model: hub concentration, airline-driven growth, and sustained infrastructure investment. For the global travel trade, their influence extends well beyond geography — shaping fares, routings, capacity decisions, and destination development worldwide.
As fleet expansion, tourism diversification, and policy liberalisation continue, the region’s airports are set to remain among the most consequential in global aviation.
The launch of Riyadh Air is one of the most interesting disruptions in the Middle East market, alongside the planned growth of rival Saudi airline Saudia. In the next article we will explore how competition is fuelling growth for ME airlines!
The post Middle East’s top 10 airports ranked as Gulf carriers expand long-haul networks appeared first on Travel Daily Media.