Middle East & North Africa

The integration of cryptocurrencies into the financial system as a complementary payment method is soaring in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the air transport sector.

Saudi LCC Flyadeal reported a strong operational performance in 2025, transporting over 10 million passengers.

Emirates and Nigerian carrier Air Peace have activated a bilateral interline agreement, expanding air connectivity between Africa, the UAE and the UK.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced on Jan. 19 the inauguration of the new Al-Jouf International Airport.

The Gulf Cooperation Council's plans for a civil aviation authority covering all six GCC countries aims to spur regional growth through harmonization.

Airports in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates recorded significant growth in passenger traffic and cargo volumes in 2025.

Libyan airline Berniq Airways is hopeful that improving economic conditions in the east of the country will act as a launch pad for its expansion.

Libya continues to experience unrest. How are the North African nation’s two state-owned airlines faring?

Aircraft broker Jetcraft Commercial has delivered two Bombardier CRJ-1000 regional jets to newly launched Iraqi carrier Basra Airlines.

Algeria is planning to build a new civilian airport and new city in the north of the country.

Flynas will open a new operations base at Abha International Airport in late March, expanding its domestic and international footprint in southern Saudi Arabia.

Premium leisure carrier Beond is on a mission to expand into multiple countries and grow its fleet to 56 aircraft by 2030.

Etihad Airways has reported its strongest year on record after carrying 22.4 million passengers in 2025.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has officially opened a new air base at Tetouan Sania Ramel Airport, strengthening its presence in northern Morocco.

Qatar Airways has become the world’s first airline to equip Boeing 787-8s with Starlink satellite internet.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah handled 53.4 million passengers during 2025, the highest volume achieved by any airport in Saudi Arabia.

Turkish Airlines is investing over $2.3 billion in the construction of a new cargo terminal and inflight catering facility.

Boeing has appointed Fahad Al Mheiri as vice president for the Middle East, Gulf and North Africa, starting in January 2026.

Libya is moving to revive its aviation sector with plans to launch a new national airline, Libyan United Airlines, expecting to begin operations in early 2026.

Saudi LCC Flyadeal has opened a new, expanded Integrated Operations Control Center (IOCC) at its headquarters in Jeddah.

The U.S. Navy on Dec. 18 announced it had for the first time fired a newly developed one-way attack drone from a ship in the Middle East.

Ryanair plans to open a base in Morocco’s capital Rabat in April 2026; it will be the airline’s fifth base in the country.

Dubai Airports is entering the winter travel season with a strong push to expand services and add airlines at DXB and DWC.

Royal Air Maroc is pushing ahead with its expansion plans for 2026, as it prepares to roll out new direct routes across Africa, the Americas and Europe.

Swiss startup Jekta has partnered with UK-based Open Skies Network to develop electric amphibious aircraft operations across the Gulf region.