IATA urges Africa to prioritise aviation for growth
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged African governments to prioritise aviation as a driver of economic and social development. Focusing on safety, competitiveness, sustainability, and ease of business can boost jobs, trade, tourism, regional integration, and long-term prosperity.
Gulf tourism set for stronger recovery, says aviation leader
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Gulf States can become stronger tourism destinations after conflict, said aviation leader and Knighthood Global Chairman James Hogan, citing strong branding, leadership, and investment. He urged a focus on destination strengths and openness rather than price-driven strategies for recovery.
Dubai launches new directive to strengthen passenger rights
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has launched a new Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive aimed at strengthening passenger rights, introducing clearer protections and formal mechanisms for complaints and dispute resolution across the emirate’s aviation sector.
Aviation holds key to unlocking economic benefits for Kazakhstan: IATA
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
IATA highlighted aviation’s importance to Kazakhstan, noting its focus on the sector has boosted jobs and economic activity. Aviation supports 44,700 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in output, contributing 0.8% of the country’s GDP.
Oman’s aviation ecosystem enters new phase of growth, global expansion
Mon, 13 Apr 2026
Oman Airports, Oman Air, and SalamAir reported strong 2025 performance driven by revenue growth and network expansion, and outlined a 2026–2030 strategy to build an integrated aviation ecosystem and strengthen Oman’s global connectivity.
DAE, Blackstone Credit seal $1.6bn aviation leasing investment deal
Thu, 09 Apr 2026
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has announced a partnership agreement with Blackstone Credit & Insurance to launch a new long-term global investment programme branded Equator that will focus on aircraft on lease to commercial airlines, with a target deployment of $1.6 billion annually.
Royal Jordanian keeps flights running amid Mideast turmoil
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Royal Jordanian Airlines, the Arab country's flag carrier, said it continues to operate its flights to various destinations whose airspace remains open and safe, in light of the security developments in the region and the challenges posed by the regional situation on the aviation sector.
Mideast airspace crisis puts aviation, tourism on edge, says expert
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
The duration of the aviation disruption following the joint Israel-US strike on Iran and its subsequent attacks on countries in Gulf region, will be fundamental to determining the implications for affected sectors, including airlines, airports, lodging and lessors, said an expert.
ATM 2026 to focus on Mideast aviation, cruise growth
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
The Middle East’s aviation and cruise sectors are expanding globally, reinforcing the region as a key travel hub, and will be highlighted at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, May 4–7 in Dubai.
Tourism sector accounts for 7% of Bahrain economy: Minister
Wed, 18 Feb 2026
Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi said the tourism sector now constitutes seven per cent of the kingdom's total GDP. “The World Tourism Index report issued in January 2026 showed that Bahrain ranked third in the Middle East for visitor growth in 2025 compared with 2024, achieving an 11 per cent increase,” she told a Parliament session.
Dubai, Fujairah enhance cooperation in aviation sector
Tue, 17 Feb 2026
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Department of Civil Aviation in Fujairah (DCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at consolidating strategic partnership and exchanging expertise, thereby contributing to improved performance efficiency and ensuring the highest levels of safety and security in this vital sector.
Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh to attract 11,000 experts
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
More than 11,000 aviation leaders, policymakers, investors and industry specialists from over 120 countries will gather in the Saudi capital next month for the fourth Future Aviation Forum, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the global air transport agenda.
UAE solidifies global leadership in aviation, tourism in 2025
Sun, 15 Feb 2026
In 2025, the UAE aviation sector hit record milestones, with DXB handling 95.2 million passengers, Abu Dhabi Airports over 33 million, and Sharjah 19.48 million. Ras Al Khaimah surpassed one million passengers. Expanded connectivity, cargo growth, and technological upgrades reinforced the UAE’s global aviation and logistics leadership.
Saudi Industrial Centre, Airbus sign aviation localisation MoU
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
The National Industrial Development Centre signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localising the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia. Under the memorandum, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s air passenger numbers top 140m in 2025
Thu, 29 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector achieved exceptional growth in 2025, setting record figures in air traffic statistics. The number of passengers exceeded 140 million, up about 9%.
Royal Jordanian ranked Top 5 worldwide for on-time arrivals
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Royal Jordanian Airlines has been ranked second in on-time performance across the Middle East and Africa for 2025 by global aviation analytics firm Cirium. This ranking places RJ among the top five airlines worldwide in one of the aviation industry’s most critical indicators: on-time arrival performance.
Oman, Rwanda sign MoU on airport, aviation cooperation
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Oman and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Oman Airports Company. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the field of airport development and management, exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities for joint investment in the aviation sector and related infrastructure.
Turkish Airlines launches new $2.23bn investment initiatives
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Turkish Airlines has launched a comprehensive investment initiative that will strengthen Türkiye’s aviation infrastructure and further advance its competitive edge.
UAE aviation drives national economy with expanding global reach
Sun, 04 Jan 2026
The UAE aviation sector remains a strategic pillar of the national economy and a global benchmark for governance, innovation and sustainability. In 2025, achievements strengthened competitiveness, supported trade, tourism, logistics and supply chains, and contributed up to 18% of GDP.
Global Airports Forum focuses on airport innovation
Tue, 02 Dec 2025
The 4th edition of Global Airports Forum (GAF), to be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) on December 16 and 17, will see over 50 new exhibitors including flag-carrier Saudia and global travel technology giant Amadeus, along with Airport Innovation Trail and Airport Innovation Hub making its debut.
Dubai Airshow 2025 deals hit record $202bn
Tue, 25 Nov 2025
The Dubai Airshow 2025 set a historic record with deals surpassing $202 billion, double the $101 billion secured at the 18th edition in 2023.