The global air travel sector is experiencing a significant rebound, with projections indicating continued growth in passenger numbers. A recent report by GlobalData highlights that the global airport projects pipeline is valued at approximately $770.1bn, with the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region accounting for about $140.8bn of this total.

According to the Airports Council International (ACI), global passenger numbers are expected to rise to 17.7 billion by 2043, driven by increasing incomes and a growing demand for air travel. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to contribute nearly half of this growth. To meet the rising demand for air travel, an estimated $2.4tn will be required for airport infrastructure development worldwide by 2040, with the Mena region needing about $240bn for both brownfield and greenfield airport projects by 2035.

Middle Eastern airlines have been recognised as some of the fastest-growing in the world, benefiting from the region's strategic geographic location and supportive regulatory environment.

Triple traffic

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, these hubs facilitated substantial passenger and cargo traffic. The International Trade Association forecasts that passenger traffic in the Middle East will triple over the next 20 years, reaching 530 million by 2043. In alignment with its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia plans to modernise and expand its aviation sector, with the goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030. This initiative reflects the kingdom's broader strategy to diversify its economy, emphasising tourism, aviation, and hospitality as key sectors for development.

Significant projects include the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, which is projected to become one of the largest airport developments globally, with an investment of $30bn.

Additionally, the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is undergoing expansion to accommodate increasing passenger demand. There are also master plans for the development of King Fahd, Al-Ahsa, and Al-Qaisumah international airports, along with a comprehensive Dammam Airports Strategy. These projects, valued at over $426.7m, aim to enhance passenger capacity to 19.3 million annually by 2030 and expand cargo capacity to 600,000 tonnes a year.

The Mena airport construction pipeline is primarily focused on projects in advanced stages, with 78.7% of the total value in pre-execution and execution phases. Saudi Arabia holds the largest share of the pipeline value at 42.5%, followed by the UAE at 26.8% and Bahrain at 7.6%. A significant portion of these projects, approximately 73.7%, are publicly funded, indicating substantial government investment in aviation infrastructure.

As the global airline industry anticipates revenues exceeding $979bn in 2025, the Middle East is positioning itself to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of air travel. With ongoing investments in airport infrastructure and a focus on enhancing passenger experience, the region is preparing to meet the anticipated demand for air travel in the coming years.