Tourism growth continues but risks are rising: OECD
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries tourist arrivals hit a record 847 million in 2025, up 3.4%. However, geopolitical tensions, climate events and cost pressures are creating uncertainty and shifting travellers toward cheaper, shorter, safer trips.
Minor Hotels signs NH Riyadh Prime Square, marking Mideast debut
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
Minor Hotels has signed NH Riyadh Prime Square Hotel, marking the Middle East debut of its NH Hotels & Resorts brand. Opening in 2030, the 121-room upscale hotel will be developed by Heyazah Real Estate Development in Riyadh's King Fahad District.
Air cargo demand up 6% in May; Mideast carriers report decline
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
Total global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), increased by 6.0% in May this year, compared to May 2025 levels (6.5% for international operations), according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.
IHG recognised as top employer in Mideast for 2026
Wed, 24 Jun 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts has been recognised as a top employer in the Middle East in the 2026 Great Place to Work rankings, highlighting its strong people-first culture and growing employer brand across a key expansion region.
Dubai Duty Free retains Mideast top honour for 25th year
Mon, 22 Jun 2026
Dubai Duty Free has been named Best Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East for the 25th consecutive year at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.
flydubai named Best Connectivity Airline in Mideast
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, received the “Airline with the Best Connectivity in the Middle East” award for the third time at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2026.
IATA halves 2026 airline profit forecast, big loss seen for Mideast industry
Sun, 07 Jun 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sharply cut its profit outlook for the global airline industry, citing disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Airlines are now expected to post a net profit of $23 billion in 2026, while Middle East airlines are likely to post $4.3 billion loss, it said.
Air traffic through Syrian airspace surge 375% in May
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
Syria recorded nearly 12,000 overflights in May after airlines altered their routes across the region to avoid airspaces affected by recent regional developments.
Middle East international air passenger demand down 48.1% in April
Thu, 28 May 2026
Total global air passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down 3.4% in April this year, compared to April 2025, data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
flydubai inks deal with Cyprus Airways to boost global connectivity
Sat, 23 May 2026
Dubai budget carrier flydubai have announced the launch of a new interline agreement, designed to enhance international connectivity and provide passengers with seamless access to an expanded network of destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the GCC.
Mideast airports face $1bn loss amid conflict disruption
Wed, 13 May 2026
The Middle East conflict caused $900 million–$1 billion revenue loss for nine airports over two months, a 55% shortfall against budgeted income, driven by sharp declines in passenger and cargo traffic, says ACI APAC & MID with Flare Aviation Consulting.
Korean budget airlines cut 900 flights over oil prices
Sun, 10 May 2026
Jeju Air, Jin Air and other Korean budget airlines cut 900 round-trip flights and introduced emergency measures as Middle East tensions pushed jet fuel prices sharply higher, with further flight reductions expected in coming months.
British Airways to reduce services on Middle East routes
Thu, 09 Apr 2026
British Airways said it will reduce services across key Middle East routes when operations resume, citing continued uncertainty over regional airspace. Flights to Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv will be cut to one daily service from July 1, while Riyadh frequencies will fall from two daily flights to one from mid-May. Jeddah is being dropped from the network altogether.
Aleph Hospitality targets 100 hotels by 2029, strengthens leadership
Thu, 09 Apr 2026
Aleph Hospitality, a leading independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has set a new milestone for the group of operating 100 hotels by the end of 2029.
Air India, Air India Express boost Mideast operations with 28 more flights
Mon, 23 Mar 2026
Leading Indian carriers - Air India and Air India Express - are operating 28 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to the Middle East. Of these, Air India will operate a return service each from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will fly one each from Bengaluru, Kozhikode and Mangalore.
Resilience is reshaping the region’s Eid Al Fitr plans
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
As the region prepares for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr festivities, the Middle East’s hospitality sector is demonstrating its remarkable agility and resilience with everything from a high-octane family adventure on Yas Island to serene waterfront retreats on offer.
Air India, Air India Express boosts West Asia ops with 58 more flights
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together be operating a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia on March 12. These airlines will operate a non-scheduled round flight each to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia from Mumbai and Kozhikode, respectively.
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.
Strong Oman presence at ITB Berlin
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Oman has reinforced its position as one of the Middle East’s most compelling tourism destinations with a strong and strategic presence at ITB Berlin 2026, leveraging the world’s largest travel trade platform to deepen partnerships, showcase its diverse tourism offerings and consolidate Germany’s place as a key European source market.
Chapman Freeborn arranges emergency charters amid Mideast aviation turmoil
Tue, 03 Mar 2026
Chapman Freeborn, a leading private air passenger and cargo charter services company, has announced that it has been arranging emergency charters amid the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East and disruption to global aviation routes.
Atout France adapts operations amid Middle East travel disruptions
Tue, 03 Mar 2026
Atout France is closely monitoring geopolitical developments affecting travel between the Middle East, Türkiye, and France. Airlines, including Air France, have adjusted schedules, while the agency ensures operational continuity, compliance, partner coordination, and transparent communication.