Middle East Air Travel Set for Rapid Growth in the Coming Years

Dubai International Airport

Air travel in the Middle East is soaring to new heights, with a 7 percent increase recorded in 2024 and further growth expected at an annual rate of 6 percent over the next three years. This upward trajectory, revealed in the latest air traffic report by Swiss research firm m1nd-set, highlights the region’s expanding role in global aviation.

Dubai International Airport, the busiest international hub in the Middle East, continues to be a key driver of this growth, maintaining a steady 5 percent annual increase in passenger traffic. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is experiencing an even faster expansion, with Jeddah and Riyadh airports registering double-digit growth in 2024. International traffic at these key Saudi hubs surged by 11.5 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively, as the country pushes forward with ambitious plans to enhance its aviation infrastructure. By 2030, Saudi Arabia’s global air traffic is projected to nearly double compared to pre-pandemic levels, solidifying its position as a major player in international travel.

Saudi travelers remain the most active within the region, accounting for 73 million departures in 2024, representing nearly 20 percent of all Middle Eastern air traffic. Indian travelers followed closely, making up 13 percent of international passengers.

The Growth of Experiential Duty-Free Shopping

The rapid rise in air traffic has also fueled an increase in Duty-Free shopping across the Middle East. Nearly 70 percent of travelers visiting Duty-Free stores in the region make a purchase, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia reporting conversion rates of over 60 percent.

Consumer preferences are shifting, with experience now playing a key role in purchasing decisions. While affordability and convenience remain important, travelers are increasingly drawn to premium packaging, exclusive products, and self-indulgent purchases. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is seeing a trend toward high-end brands and luxury goods, reflecting the evolving tastes of modern travelers.

Spontaneity is also shaping shopping behavior, with more than 70 percent of buyers making their final purchasing decisions only after entering a Duty-Free store. In Saudi Arabia, this figure climbs even higher, with nearly eight out of ten shoppers making impulse purchases based on in-store experiences.

As the Middle East’s air traffic continues its upward climb, the region’s travel retail sector is set for sustained growth, offering passengers an enhanced journey from takeoff to touchdown.