The Region

Over the last two decades the Middle East has been one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, registering a phenomenal 500% growth between 2000 and 2020. The region’s aviation market is expected to continue its spectacular growth over the next 20 years and will require massive airport development to match the increase in airline fleets and passenger numbers. Within the region, Saudi Arabia is the largest aviation market, with both a strong domestic sector and rapidly growing international air passenger numbers. The region’s current airport development requirements exceed US$150 billion – including new airports, expansions and modernization programmes. Key factors contributing to this include:

• The strong GCC economies have ambitious economic diversification plans in place and aviation is seen as a priority sector to build new investment, growth and employment opportunities
• An important intercontinental air travel hub, the region provides easy access to 80% of the world’s population within an 8-hour flight
• Multi billion dollar tourism projects across the region are expected to attract millions of new visitors each year
• The Middle East is home to an affluent population that likes to travel for holidays and business
• The region hosts millions of expats who require to travel home to their families each year