Middle East Passenger Traffic to Exceed 240M in 2026, IATA Forecasts

Passenger traffic in the Middle East is forecast to exceed 240 million in 2026, a surge driven by significant investments in airport digitalization and infrastructure, according to a new forecast from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth is part of a wider trend that will see global passenger numbers reach 5.2 billion in the same year. The region's proactive adoption of advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM) technology is a key factor in preparing its approximately 110 airports to handle the increased volume efficiently.

The robust forecast positions the Middle East not just as a growing market but as a global leader in airline profitability. The combination of strategic investments, expanding fleets, and its role as a major international transit corridor is expected to yield substantial financial returns for the region's carriers.

Regional Performance and Profitability

According to the IATA 2026 global industry forecast, Middle East carriers are projected to achieve a net profit of $6.9 billion in 2026. This performance is underpinned by the highest projected net profit margin globally, at 9.3%. Furthermore, the region is expected to lead in profit per passenger at $28.6. Passenger traffic growth in the Middle East is forecast to be 6.1% in 2026, outpacing the global average of 4.9%.

Additional data from Airports Council International (ACI) supports this outlook, with an ACI APAC & MID Short-Term Forecast projecting an annual average passenger traffic increase of 5.4% from 2025 through 2028. This sustained growth highlights the region's enduring strength in the post-pandemic aviation landscape.

However, Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, noted that the success is not uniform across the region. "The Middle East's position as the most profitable region in 2026...underscores the benefits of strategic investment, supportive policy frameworks, and the region's role as a global connecting hub," Al-Awadhi stated. "But this success is far from uniform. Several carriers continue to face severe financial pressure due to geopolitical instability, blocked funds, and uneven infrastructure development."

Digitalization Drives Efficiency

A critical component of the region's strategy is the rapid digitalization of airport operations. Airports across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region are investing millions in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data to modernize their ATM and Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems. These technologies are crucial for enhancing safety, increasing operational efficiency, and managing the growing number of aircraft movements, which are projected to reach 149 million globally by 2043.

The trend toward advanced digital solutions is exemplified by the adoption of remote and digital ATC towers. In a regional first, Al Ula International Airport in Saudi Arabia is now operated fully remotely from a control center located 550km away. This innovation demonstrates the commitment of regional Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs) to leveraging technology to maintain a competitive edge.

Infrastructure Investment and Long-Term Growth

To accommodate long-term demand, which is projected to see global passenger traffic reach 17.7 billion by 2043, the Middle East is undertaking some of the world's most ambitious airport infrastructure projects.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman International Airport in Riyadh is a cornerstone of this effort, targeting a capacity of 120 million passengers by 2030. In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is planning to relocate its primary hub to Dubai World Central (DWC), with an eventual target capacity of 260 million passengers. These mega-projects are designed to ensure the region's airports can handle future capacity requirements without compromising service levels.

These developments will be a central focus at the upcoming Airport Show 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), where industry leaders will convene to discuss the latest advancements in airport technology and infrastructure.

Why This Matters

The Middle East's dual strategy of massive infrastructure expansion paired with advanced digital air traffic management signals its ambition to solidify its position as the world's central aviation hub. This approach not only prepares the region for significant passenger growth but also sets a new benchmark for operational efficiency and airline profitability. For the global aviation industry, this represents a model for how to manage capacity constraints while enhancing financial performance through technological innovation.

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