Saudia, Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, Oman Air, Turkish, and Egypt Air Are Boosting Middle East Tourism with New Routes and Record Passenger Traffic.

Published on May 10, 2025

In 2024, the Middle East’s leading airlines — Saudia, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, and EgyptAir — have significantly contributed to the region’s booming tourism by not only boosting passenger traffic to record levels but also expanding their networks with a range of new routes. These carriers have been pivotal in driving the post-pandemic recovery, connecting the Middle East with key global destinations and offering passengers more options than ever before. Through increased frequencies, new destinations, and fleet enhancements, these airlines are making it easier for travelers to explore the region while simultaneously promoting growth in the global tourism sector.

Saudia Airlines: Skyrocketing Passenger Traffic and New Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: A Record-Breaking Year

Saudia Airlines has had an exceptional 2024, with unprecedented growth in passenger traffic. The airline welcomed 128 million passengers across Saudi airports, a 15% increase compared to 2023. This marks a 25% rise from pre-pandemic levels, showing a strong and sustainable recovery for the aviation sector.

• Domestic Success: Saudia saw 59 million passengers on domestic routes.
• International Expansion: 69 million flew internationally, with a notable 16% increase in air connectivity, bringing Saudi Arabia to over 170 destinations globally.
• Flight Surge: Saudia operated 905,000 flights, marking an 11% increase in operations, proving its rising prominence in the skies.

With continued growth in both passenger numbers and destinations, Saudia is cementing its position as a major airline in the region.

Saudia’s Operational Excellence: Efficiency and Growth Combined

In addition to soaring passenger traffic, Saudia demonstrated exceptional operational performance in 2024. The airline’s commitment to high service standards is reflected in several key figures:

• Flight Hours & On-Time Performance: Saudia operated over 94,300 flights, achieving 287,200 flight hours — an 11% increase year-on-year. Despite the growth, Saudia maintained an impressive 89.3% on-time performance rate.
• International and Domestic Growth: The airline transported 9.1 million passengers on international flights, marking a 24% increase, while 7.2 million passengers flew domestically — a 14% increase.

Saudia’s operational focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction continues to set it apart from other airlines.

New Routes for 2025: A Gateway to the World

Saudia’s ambition for 2025 is clear: expanding its reach across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Here’s what travelers can expect from the airline’s exciting new routes:

• Short-Haul Routes: Saudia will add several popular European and Middle Eastern cities to its network. These include:
  • Larnaca (Cyprus)
  • Heraklion (Greece)
  • Antalya (Turkey)
  • El Alamein (Egypt)
  • Athens (Greece) (also connecting from Riyadh)
• Medium-Haul Additions from Riyadh: The Riyadh hub will welcome five medium-haul routes including:
  • Malaga (Spain)
  • Venice (Italy)
  • Nice (France)
  • Vienna (Austria)
• Exotic New Destination: For those seeking something more tropical, Denpasar (Indonesia), known for its beautiful beaches, will become a key addition to Saudia’s route map.

Saudia’s Strategic Focus on Europe and Southeast Asia

As Saudia continues to enhance its global network, Europe and Southeast Asia remain central to its expansion. In 2025, Saudia will be increasing its European offerings, with Athens added to Riyadh and more destinations such as Malaga and Venice from Jeddah. The Denpasar (Bali) route is also an exciting addition, strategically connecting travelers between Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets.

Looking Ahead: Saudia’s Continued Growth and Expansion

Saudia’s journey to 2025 promises more growth and a bigger footprint on the global aviation map. The airline’s ability to adapt and expand across both short-haul and long-haul markets highlights its ambitious goals.

• Focus on Customer Experience: With a focus on exceptional service and expanding connections to exciting destinations, Saudia is setting the stage for greater global reach.
• Investing in Connectivity: Saudia’s strategy includes increasing connections between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making the airline a more convenient choice for international travelers.

Qatar Airways: Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic and Strategic New Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: A Remarkable Surge

Qatar Airways has set another milestone in 2024 with its impressive passenger growth. The airline’s Hamad International Airport (Doha) handled 52.7 million passengers in 2024, a 15% increase over the previous year, and 50% higher than pre-pandemic numbers. This growth is a direct reflection of the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its network and enhancing its services.

• International Success: Qatar Airways served 40 million passengers in fiscal year 2023/2024, a substantial 8 million increase from the previous year, showing the airline’s ability to capitalize on the post-pandemic recovery.
• Point-to-Point Growth: The airline also recorded 12 million point-to-point passengers, marking a 16% increase from 2023. This shows Qatar Airways’ focus on offering direct flights to key destinations across the globe.

Qatar Airways continues to be one of the fastest-growing airlines, with its global network expanding at a steady pace, reaching new heights in terms of global connectivity.

Qatar Airways’ Expanding Global Reach: New Routes for 2025

Qatar Airways has big plans for 2025, with the airline continuing its expansion into South America and other exciting regions. Here’s a look at the exciting new destinations:

• South America Expansion: Starting in July 2025, Qatar Airways will introduce non-stop flights to Bogotá (Colombia) and Caracas (Venezuela). This makes Qatar Airways the first Middle Eastern airline to offer non-stop flights from the Middle East to Colombia and Venezuela.
  • The new service will offer two weekly flights from Doha, providing travelers with seamless access to South America, while also connecting them to Qatar Airways’ vast global network.
• Europe and Beyond: The airline is also introducing Malta to its network, further strengthening its European connections. This new addition will enhance accessibility between Doha and key European destinations.

Qatar Airways’ focus on expanding into under-served regions is giving travelers more options and access to emerging markets, cementing its place as a leading global carrier.

Qatar Airways in the Americas: Bridging Continents

Qatar Airways has long been a key player in transcontinental air travel, and in 2025, the airline is furthering its strong presence in the Americas. With the new routes to Bogotá and Caracas, Qatar Airways becomes the only Middle Eastern airline connecting South America to the rest of the world via Doha. This growth is a game-changer for travelers looking to connect the Middle East with South America.

Qatar Airways’ Unmatched Network: More Flights, More Connections

As the airline grows, Qatar Airways is not just adding more destinations — it’s also enhancing its existing routes to make them more accessible and efficient. Flight frequencies will increase on several key routes across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, improving connectivity for business and leisure travelers alike.

• Strategic Aircraft Deployments: Qatar Airways has also optimized its fleet to handle the increasing demand, ensuring maximum capacity on popular routes while maintaining the high level of comfort and service that the airline is known for.

Looking Ahead: Qatar Airways’ Bold Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Qatar Airways is showing no signs of slowing down. With more routes opening in 2025 and increased frequencies on existing services, the airline is set to continue its global dominance. Whether you’re flying to the Americas, Europe, or Asia, Qatar Airways is committed to offering a seamless travel experience with world-class service and expanding its reach to meet the growing demand for global connectivity.

Emirates: Skyrocketing Passenger Traffic and New Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: A Stellar Year for Emirates

Emirates has had an incredible year in 2024, with the UAE’s civil aviation sector witnessing a 10% growth in passenger traffic, reaching a total of 147.8 million passengers. Emirates, as a key player, moved 51.9 million passengers, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. This reflects the airline’s strategic focus on increasing capacity and maintaining high demand across its extensive network.

• Growth in Seat Capacity: Emirates has seen a 21% rise in seat capacity, making its Passenger Seat Factor increase to 79.9%, which is a healthy rise from 79.5% in 2023.
• Inbound and Outbound Traffic: With 41.6 million inbound passengers and 41.7 million outbound, Emirates has continued to dominate both regional and international markets.

Emirates is keeping pace with the rapid growth in global air travel, ensuring it remains a top player in the aviation industry.

Emirates’ Growing Network: New Routes for 2025

As Emirates pushes forward, new routes are on the horizon, adding key destinations to their already expansive network. Here’s what travelers can look forward to:

• European & Asian Expansions: Emirates will debut the A380 to Bangkok starting 1 July 2025, and Hong Kong will get its first A380 featuring four classes and the latest interiors starting 1 October.
• New Premium Experience: Nice (France) will become the first city to enjoy Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins, starting 15 October 2025.
• Australia’s Boost: As part of its expansion, Perth will receive the newest-generation A380, beginning 26 October 2025, increasing capacity on one of the airline’s most important routes.

With these strategic route additions, Emirates is strengthening its already solid position in both the European and Australian markets while offering travelers a premium experience on new aircraft types.

Emirates’ New Fleet and Service Upgrades: Innovation at Its Best

Emirates isn’t just expanding its routes; it’s also revamping its fleet to meet growing demand. In 2025, the airline will introduce its long-range Airbus A350 into service, enhancing travel options for passengers on long-haul flights.

• New Aircraft for Long-Haul Routes: The A350-900ULR will offer more spacious cabins, including 32 lie-flat Business Class seats and 28 Premium Economy seats, bringing luxury and comfort to the skies.
• Service Enhancements: The A380 will continue to serve key routes, and the Boeing 777 fleet will be retrofitted with enhanced interiors, ensuring Emirates passengers experience a new level of service.

Emirates and Shenzhen: Strengthening Connections to China

Shenzhen in China will become the newest addition to Emirates’ ever-expanding global network. As the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate daily flights to this tech hub, Emirates is opening new doors for business and leisure travelers. This route will be operated using the Boeing 777-300ER, giving passengers access to the airline’s top-class service.

• Optimized Flight Times: Emirates is scheduling its Shenzhen flights to make connections more convenient for travelers from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

By adding Shenzhen to its network, Emirates continues to enhance its strong bilateral ties with China, making it easier for travelers to explore one of China’s most innovative cities.

Looking Ahead: Emirates’ 2025 Vision

Looking to the future, Emirates’ growth shows no signs of slowing down. The airline is committed to offering seamless travel experiences through increased frequency on existing routes and new destinations to meet demand. Whether it’s the addition of premium economy cabins or expanding its network to key global hubs like Shenzhen and Perth, Emirates is focused on delivering unparalleled service and convenience.

• Expanding Global Reach: Emirates continues to lead the way in global air connectivity, keeping passengers at the heart of its operations.

Etihad Airways: Record Passenger Traffic and Expanding Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: Continuing the Momentum

Etihad Airways has been on an impressive upward trajectory, finishing 2024 with a 20% increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year. The airline welcomed over 18 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing carriers in the region. This surge reflects Etihad’s strong recovery from the pandemic and its ability to meet the increasing demand for international travel.

• A Busy Year for Etihad: In December alone, Etihad welcomed 1.7 million passengers, setting a record for the month and showing the airline’s increasing popularity, especially on long-haul routes.
• Load Factor Surge: The airline’s load factor hit 87% across the year, with the peak months reflecting a strong performance, underlining how well Etihad is utilizing its fleet and network.

As travel continues to bounce back, Etihad’s strategy of expanding global connectivity is clearly paying off, bringing more travelers to and from the UAE.

Etihad’s New Routes for 2025: Broadening Horizons

In 2025, Etihad Airways is continuing its ambitious growth plans by adding new destinations and increasing flight frequencies on popular routes. Here are some exciting developments to look forward to:

• New Global Connections:
  • Peshawar (Pakistan) will join Etihad’s growing network starting 29 September 2025, offering a seamless connection between the UAE and Pakistan’s vibrant cultural and economic hub.
  • Etihad is also expanding into Prague, Warsaw, Atlanta, Tunis, and Algiers. This expansion strengthens the airline’s presence in Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
• Strategic Fleet Enhancements: To support these new routes, Etihad will also introduce more frequent services to key markets like Paris, London, and Frankfurt while optimizing its fleet to accommodate increased demand.

Etihad’s Focus on Africa: Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Etihad’s growing presence in Africa is another exciting development. With its new routes to Medan (Indonesia) and Algiers, Etihad is opening up more opportunities for travelers to explore this diverse continent.

• Increased Services to Africa: In particular, Medan (Indonesia), which will be served starting 2 October 2025, opens up Southeast Asia to the Middle East and beyond, offering travelers more access to both business and leisure destinations.

Etihad’s focus on African markets is part of a broader strategy to connect underserved regions, making it easier for passengers to travel between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Looking Ahead: Etihad Airways’ Vision for the Future

Looking to the future, Etihad Airways has ambitious plans for further growth. The airline is committed to expanding its global reach, offering more destinations, and continuing to provide exceptional service for its passengers.

• Expanding Global Network: With new destinations like Peshawar, Prague, and Atlanta, Etihad is expanding its reach into untapped markets while reinforcing its strength in existing ones.
• Enhanced Fleet and Service: The introduction of new aircraft and premium services will ensure that Etihad remains at the forefront of the industry in terms of comfort and luxury.

With these exciting plans in motion, Etihad Airways is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the aviation industry.

Oman Air: Record Traffic Growth and Exciting New Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: Reaching New Heights

Oman Air is experiencing a remarkable surge in passenger traffic as we move into 2025. In January 2025, the airline recorded its highest-ever seat occupancy rate of 88%, a 35% increase compared to the previous year. This is a clear indicator of Oman Air’s rising popularity and its ability to meet growing demand, especially on long-haul routes.

• International Growth: Oman Air flew 41 destinations in January 2025, with several routes achieving load factors as high as 95%.
• Increased Capacity: The airline’s efforts to maximize its fleet have led to the best-ever load factor on key routes, allowing it to better cater to passenger needs while maintaining high service quality.

Oman Air’s ability to maintain high occupancy rates demonstrates its growing influence in the regional aviation market and its strong position as a leader in connecting the Middle East to the rest of the world.

Oman Air’s New Routes for 2025: Expanding Connectivity

Oman Air is continuing its expansion in 2025 with a series of new routes and increased frequencies to meet rising demand. Here’s what you can expect:

• London Expansion: Oman Air is reviving its double-daily flights between Muscat and London Heathrow starting 26 October 2025. The airline will increase its frequency to 14 return flights per week by 2026, making it even easier for travelers to connect between the Middle East and Europe.
• New and Growing Markets:
  • Oman Air is launching new destinations such as Peshawar (Pakistan), connecting the Middle East to the historically rich city.
  • For those heading to Asia, Medan (Indonesia) will be a new addition, giving travelers more options to explore Southeast Asia.

With these new routes, Oman Air is ensuring better connectivity to key international hubs, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Oman Air’s Focus on Cost-Effective Travel: New Fleet Additions

Oman Air is also improving its fleet to cater to both luxury and cost-conscious travelers. The airline has introduced its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with an all-economy configuration for select routes to India, Africa, and West Asia.

• Affordable Travel: These new Boeing 737 MAX planes allow Oman Air to offer competitive fares while maintaining high levels of comfort and service. The aircraft will operate on high-traffic routes like Kozhikode and Lucknow in India, catering to the growing demand for affordable travel options.

Oman Air’s Future: Strengthening Regional and Global Connectivity

Looking to the future, Oman Air is set to continue strengthening its position in the Middle East aviation market. The airline’s network expansion and fleet upgrades are paving the way for more convenient travel for passengers from Oman to the world.

• Focus on Regional Growth: The airline is prioritizing stronger links between Muscat and major cities across Europe and Asia. The London route expansion is just one example of how Oman Air is making it easier for travelers to access destinations around the globe.
• Increased Services: Oman Air is also increasing flight frequencies to meet the growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The new routes and expanded services will continue to position the airline as a major player in the regional market.

With its focus on connecting travelers to global destinations at affordable prices while maintaining high service standards, Oman Air is poised for continued growth.

Turkish Airlines: Continued Growth in Passenger Traffic and New Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: Reaching New Milestones

In 2024, Turkish Airlines once again demonstrated its dominance in global aviation, successfully transporting 83.4 million passengers, marking a 2% increase over the previous year. This continued growth comes as the airline strategically expanded its network and fleet, meeting the rising demand for air travel.

• International Expansion: Turkish Airlines carried 31.7 million international passengers, a 6.4% increase from 2023, reinforcing its position as a leading global carrier.
• Domestic Stability: While international travel boomed, domestic travel also remained strong, with a stable demand from local travelers, contributing significantly to the airline’s total passenger numbers.

With its extensive network, Turkish Airlines is continuing to serve more passengers than ever before, solidifying its reputation as one of the top global carriers.

New Routes for 2025: Expanding Horizons

Turkish Airlines is on a mission to expand its footprint and connect more passengers to its diverse network. In 2025, the airline will introduce new routes and increase service to existing destinations. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

• South America Expansion: Turkish Airlines will add Santiago (Chile) to its network, connecting Europe and South America through its Istanbul hub. This route offers a seamless travel option between two continents.
• Africa and the Middle East: The airline will also strengthen its reach in Africa and the Middle East, launching new services to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Lusaka (Zambia). These new routes cater to growing business and leisure traffic in these regions.
• New Services to Asia-Pacific: As part of its expansion into Asia-Pacific, Turkish Airlines will increase flights to Melbourne (Australia), offering more convenient options for travelers heading to and from Australia.

With these new routes, Turkish Airlines is broadening its global network, giving passengers more choices and better connectivity across continents.

Fleet Growth and Service Enhancements

To support its growing network, Turkish Airlines is making major investments in its fleet. The airline has placed over 270 aircraft on order, including Airbus A321neos, A350s, and new Boeing models.

• New Aircraft for Long-Haul Flights: These modern, fuel-efficient aircraft will help the airline expand its long-haul capabilities, allowing for more direct flights between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
• Improved Travel Experience: Turkish Airlines continues to upgrade its services onboard, with new premium cabins and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment on its new aircraft, ensuring that passengers enjoy a top-tier experience.

The fleet expansion reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to offering a comfortable, reliable travel experience for passengers while staying competitive in the global aviation market.

Strengthening Global Connectivity: Turkish Airlines’ Strategy for 2025

Looking forward, Turkish Airlines is strategically positioning itself as a hub for global travel. With expanded routes and a growing fleet, the airline is becoming an even more important player in connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

• Connecting Continents: The airline’s strategy is focused on increasing connections between Europe, Asia, and Africa through Istanbul, one of the busiest and most strategic airports in the world.
• Targeting Underserved Markets: Turkish Airlines is also focusing on emerging markets with new destinations in South America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, meeting the growing demand for air travel in these regions.

By enhancing connectivity, Turkish Airlines is ensuring that its passengers have more options for seamless travel across the world, whether for business or leisure.

EgyptAir: Record Traffic Growth and New Routes for 2025

Passenger Traffic Growth: A Strong Performance

EgyptAir has had a successful year in 2024, with a 9% increase in passenger traffic, reaching a total of 22.1 million passengers. This growth reflects the airline’s strong post-pandemic recovery and its ability to meet the increasing demand for air travel, especially as the aviation sector continues to rebound globally.

• Cairo International Airport saw a significant boost, welcoming 28.8 million passengers, a rise from 26.5 million in 2023.
• Flight Numbers on the Rise: The total number of flights operated by EgyptAir also increased by 3%, reaching 167,684 flights in 2024, showcasing the airline’s expanded capacity to serve more passengers.

This growth is a clear indication that EgyptAir’s strategic focus on expanding its network and increasing its flight frequencies is paying off.

New Routes for 2025: Expanding the Global Network

In 2025, EgyptAir is committed to further expanding its global reach with the addition of new routes and increased flight frequencies. The airline’s continuous efforts to expand its network are evident in the new destinations it is introducing:

• Africa Focus: EgyptAir is placing a strong emphasis on Africa, with new routes to Mogadishu (Somalia), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), and Djibouti (Djibouti), opening up more opportunities for travelers to connect between Africa and the Middle East.
• European Growth: The airline is also expanding into Europe, with new routes to Zurich (Switzerland), Prague (Czech Republic), and Lisbon (Portugal), further strengthening EgyptAir’s presence in the European market.
• Strategic Focus on North America: New York and Toronto will continue to see more frequent services, accommodating the growing demand for direct connections between the Middle East and North America.

These new routes will help EgyptAir cater to a larger audience, strengthening its position as a key carrier in both Africa and Europe.

EgyptAir’s Commitment to Fleet Expansion

To support its growing network and passenger numbers, EgyptAir is expanding its fleet. The airline has already placed an order for 18 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft under a leasing agreement with Air Lease Corporation, with the first deliveries expected in 2025.

• Modernizing the Fleet: The new aircraft will be used to operate some of EgyptAir’s most popular routes, improving the overall efficiency and comfort for passengers.
• Enhanced Passenger Experience: These new planes will offer a better overall travel experience, ensuring that EgyptAir continues to provide high levels of service while keeping costs competitive.

EgyptAir’s commitment to updating its fleet ensures that the airline stays reliable, efficient, and comfortable for travelers, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and international flights.

The Middle East’s top airlines — Saudia, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, and EgyptAir — are driving tourism growth by significantly increasing passenger traffic and expanding their networks with new routes. These airlines are enhancing global connectivity, making it easier for travelers to explore the region while boosting tourism in the process.

EgyptAir’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Looking to the future, EgyptAir has set its sights on further growth in global aviation. The airline’s increased frequencies and new routes are just the beginning, as it continues to strengthen its network and fleet.

• Growing its African Presence: The airline is focusing on expanding its reach within Africa, capitalizing on the rising demand for travel to the region.
• Expanding Global Connectivity: EgyptAir is also investing in stronger connections between Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, ensuring a smooth and connected travel experience for passengers.

With a clear vision for global expansion and a commitment to modernizing its fleet, EgyptAir is poised to continue its growth well into 2025 and beyond.

In conclusion, the remarkable growth in passenger traffic and the expansion of new routes by Saudia, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, and EgyptAir underscore the Middle East’s vital role in the global tourism landscape. These airlines are not only enhancing connectivity but also creating more opportunities for travelers to explore this dynamic region. With their continuous commitment to expanding networks and improving services, these carriers are set to fuel the region’s tourism sector, fostering greater international engagement and economic growth in the years ahead.