How Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, and Turkish Airlines are Boosting Middle East Tourism. According to the latest TTW report, the aviation giants of the Middle East—Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, and Turkish Airlines—are collectively reshaping the region’s tourism landscape. With record-breaking passenger numbers, strategic new international routes, and enhanced global connectivity, these airlines are not only expanding their footprints but also establishing the Middle East as a global tourism hub.
Etihad Airways: Boosting Middle East Tourism with Record Passengers and New Routes
Etihad Airways continues to strengthen the UAE’s position in global tourism with impressive growth. In February 2025, Etihad served 1.6 million passengers and maintained a high load factor of 89%. Over the course of 2024, the airline carried over 18 million travelers, achieving an average 87% load factor.
The airline’s expansion includes 10 new routes in 2025, targeting key cities such as:
- Algiers
- Atlanta
- Chiang Mai
- Hanoi
- Hong Kong
This strategic growth connects new cultural and commercial centers with the Middle East, making Abu Dhabi a central hub for tourism and transit. Etihad’s strong network is giving travelers more reasons to explore the UAE and surrounding regions.
Emirates: Strengthening Middle East Tourism with Robust Passenger Growth and Expanding Routes
Emirates Airlines continues to lead the region’s aviation sector by pushing tourism growth through volume and reach. Between April and September 2024, Emirates transported 26.9 million passengers, a 3% increase year-on-year. For the 2023/24 fiscal year, total passengers reached 51.9 million, up from 43.6 million in 2022/23.
Future expansion includes eight new global destinations such as:
- Shenzhen
- Hangzhou
- Chengdu
- Da Nang
- Siem Reap
- Helsinki
- Kinshasa
- Brazzaville
In June 2025, Emirates will introduce the Airbus A350, serving destinations including:
- Tunis
- Amman
- Istanbul
- Dammam
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Baghdad
This move reflects Emirates’ commitment to modernizing travel and increasing accessibility across continents.
Qatar Airways: Elevating Middle East Tourism with Record Passengers and Expanding Global Network
Qatar Airways is playing a transformative role in the Middle East tourism sector. By the end of FY 2023–24, the airline had carried over 40 million passengers, with Doha Airport handling 52.7 million travelers a record.
The airline is relaunching and introducing multiple routes in 2025, including:
- Tashkent
- Lisbon
- Venice
- Hamburg
- Düsseldorf
- Toronto
- Malta
The airline’s focus on Europe and North America will greatly enhance inbound travel to the Middle East. Routes from Melbourne to Venice and Hamburg are part of this expansion strategy, highlighting Qatar Airways’ global ambitions.
Saudia: Boosting Middle East Tourism with Impressive Growth and Expanding Global Reach
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, is aligned with Vision 2030, aiming to make the kingdom a top global tourist destination. In 2024, Saudia carried 20 million international passengers, with total numbers reaching 35 million a 15% increase from 2023.
Saudia’s new routes in 2025 will include:
- Antalya
- El Alamein
- Larnaca
- Malaga
- Nice
- Vienna
- Athens
- Bali
- Heraklion
- Venice
This diverse route network is strengthening Saudi Arabia’s tourism ties with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and bringing travelers to Saudi attractions like AlUla, NEOM, and Riyadh.
Oman Air: Strengthening Middle East Tourism with Growth and Expanding Connectivity
Oman Air is proving that even with a leaner fleet, strategic planning can drive growth. The airline flew 5.4 million passengers in 2024, and continues to bridge international travelers with the Middle East.
Currently serving 40+ global destinations, Oman Air’s key connections include:
- Dar Es Salaam
- Zanzibar
- Kuala Lumpur
- Manila
- Bangkok
- Jakarta
European routes include:
- London
- Paris
- Zurich
- Moscow
- Istanbul
By increasing access to Muscat and Oman’s scenic attractions, the airline supports national efforts to boost tourism and diversify the economy.
Turkish Airlines: Driving Middle East Tourism with Record Passengers and Expanding Global Footprint
Turkish Airlines is a powerful connector between the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2024, it achieved a record with 83.4 million passengers, including 31.7 million international travelers, a 6.4% increase year-on-year.
The airline’s expansion plans for 2025 include new flights to:
- Auckland (New Zealand)
- Minneapolis (USA)
These additions increase Turkey’s connectivity and reinforce Istanbul’s role as a major global gateway to the Middle East. Turkish Airlines’ diverse global reach and consistently strong growth make it a key enabler of regional tourism.
Conclusion
Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, and Turkish Airlines are not just boosting their own profiles—they are transforming the Middle East tourism industry. With record passenger numbers, expanding international networks, and inno
