Qatar’s aviation industry is poised to capitalise on a strong surge across the regional airline market, as Middle Eastern carriers are forecast to lead the world in profitability by 2026. This growing momentum is expected to further consolidate Doha’s standing as one of the leading global aviation hubs.

Fueled by robust air travel demand, expanding route networks, and continued investment in fleet modernisation, sustainability, and airport infrastructure, the ongoing regional boom is set to drive sustainable growth across Qatar’s aviation ecosystem, according to an industry expert.

Speaking to The Peninsula, aviation expert and Ground Instructor at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Khamis Abdullah Alkhelaifi, highlighted that global forecasts indicate long-term expansion in air transport across the Middle East. Qatar, he noted, is strategically positioned to benefit from this trend given its central location and advanced aviation infrastructure.

Citing forecasts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alkhelaifi said that airlines in the Middle East are projected to post the highest profit margins globally in 2026, supported by strong travel demand and efficient operational performance. Passenger traffic across the region continues to outpace the global average, enabling carriers to boost flight frequencies, achieve higher load factors, and open new destinations.

He added that the optimistic regional outlook mirrors a broader global recovery in the aviation sector, with airlines worldwide expected to achieve stronger profitability in 2026 compared to 2025. Improved operational efficiency and steady demand stability have emerged as key factors driving the industry’s comeback — a trend that directly benefits major carriers such as Qatar Airways.

At the heart of Qatar’s aviation expansion is Hamad International Airport (HIA), which continues to set new benchmarks in capacity and service excellence. Alkhelaifi noted that the recent completion of Concourses D and E has raised HIA’s annual passenger capacity to 65 million. Ongoing optimisation initiatives are expected to further increase this figure to between 75 and 77 million passengers without the need for additional large-scale expansions.

Enhancements to gate infrastructure, terminal streamlining, and airside operations are also expected to improve HIA’s efficiency, reducing aircraft turnaround times and enhancing connectivity across the airport’s network.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is gearing up to expand both its regional and international operations in 2026, aligning with industry-wide growth and positioning itself to capture a greater share of the rising global travel demand.

Saudi carrier flynas has announced the establishment of a new operational base at Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, in collaboration with airport operator Cluster2 Company. The development makes flynas the first Saudi airline to operate from six different hubs across the Kingdom.

The expansion will begin in July with the launch of the first phase, introducing direct services to five destinations covering both domestic and international routes.

On the international front, flynas will operate direct flights from Qassim to Istanbul, Trabzon, and Cairo’s Sphinx International Airport. The network will also include domestic connections to Abha and Dammam.

The airline said the new base is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its presence across Saudi Arabia and enhance connectivity between regional airports and key global destinations.

Eng. Ali Masrahi, Chief Executive Officer of Cluster2 Company, said the launch represents an important milestone in the organisation’s strategy to expand partnerships and develop wider operational networks across the Kingdom.

He added that the initiative is designed to leverage growing passenger demand and support the introduction of new domestic and international routes, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to handle 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

Source: ZAWYA

Airlines operating in the Middle East are projected to move into collective losses in 2026 as escalating regional tensions, restricted airspace access and sharply higher fuel costs place significant strain on the sector, according to the latest outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The industry body said that while carriers in other regions are also expected to see weaker profitability, the Middle East is likely to be the only region to post an overall net loss.

Across the global aviation industry, profits are expected to fall substantially. IATA forecasts net earnings declining from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026, with profit margins narrowing from 4.2 per cent to 2.0 per cent.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said the outlook has deteriorated due to conflict-related disruption in the Middle East and a significant rise in fuel costs. He noted that jet fuel prices have increased by nearly 70 per cent globally, forcing airlines to absorb higher operating expenses despite ongoing efficiency improvements and fare adjustments.

Walsh added that while all regions remain profitable, performance has weakened sharply across the board, except for the Middle East. He said Gulf carriers are operating under considerable uncertainty following major airspace disruptions linked to the onset of conflict, though they continue to maintain global connectivity despite financial pressure.

IATA estimates that global fuel expenditure will rise from $252 billion in 2025 to $350 billion in 2026, accounting for more than 31 per cent of total airline operating costs, compared with 25.4 per cent the previous year.

The projection is based on an average Brent crude price of $95 per barrel in 2026, up from $69 in 2025. Jet fuel is expected to average $152 per barrel, significantly higher than the previous year, while the spread between crude and jet fuel prices is expected to remain elevated.

Although airlines are hedging roughly one-third of their fuel needs, IATA warned that carriers remain exposed to sustained price increases and high refining margins.

Overall fuel consumption is forecast to remain steady at about 104 billion gallons in 2026, meaning that higher fuel prices are the primary driver of rising industry costs.

Walsh also highlighted that the sector’s financial resilience is under pressure, with average net profit per passenger expected to fall to $4.50, nearly half of the level recorded in 2025.

The Middle East is expected to be the most affected region, as geopolitical instability leads to capacity reductions, flight disruptions, and higher operating costs. Reduced transit traffic is also weighing on load factors, further increasing unit costs for airlines.

Despite these challenges, IATA said Gulf carriers continue to work to sustain global connectivity, even as financial headwinds intensify across the region.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight arm of Emirates, has announced the launch of a new weekly dedicated freighter service to Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan, with operations scheduled to begin on 16 June 2026.

The introduction of the Boeing 777F service marks the carrier’s first cargo destination in Central Asia. Operating from Dubai, the new route is expected to create a direct trade corridor that integrates the region more closely into Emirates SkyCargo’s global logistics network.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is emerging as a key commercial and logistics centre, serving as an important gateway for trade across Central Asia. The weekly Tuesday freighter service will offer more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity each week, enabling the transport of goods such as electronics, perishable items, machinery, and other consumer products between Almaty and international markets via Dubai.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said the new service aligns with the company’s role in facilitating global trade and reflects its strategy to expand into high-growth regions. He noted that Central Asia is experiencing strong economic development and that the new route will provide businesses in the region with improved access to international markets.

He added that the service will also enhance connectivity for global customers seeking efficient wide-body cargo solutions into a strategically important market, while supporting Dubai’s broader economic objectives under the D33 agenda and reinforcing its position as a global logistics hub.

Emirates SkyCargo continues to expand its freighter fleet in response to rising global demand. Since March 2026, the carrier has received four new Boeing 777 freighters, with six additional aircraft scheduled for delivery later in the year as part of its ongoing network expansion strategy.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates President Tim Clark has cautioned that a prolonged conflict involving Iran could place weaker airlines under severe financial strain, with low-cost carriers likely to be the first affected.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the Berlin Air Show, Clark said extended disruption could lead to failures within parts of the aviation sector, echoing similar concerns expressed over the weekend by International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh.

Despite the challenges created by the conflict, Clark said Emirates has no plans to reduce operations. The airline intends to continue transporting passengers through its Dubai hub to destinations including India and Australia, while implementing operational measures such as carrying additional fuel when necessary.

Clark also highlighted Emirates' ongoing rollout of Starlink onboard internet services across its fleet, noting that customer demand had increased following the introduction of the connectivity upgrade.

He stressed that the state-owned carrier would maintain its current capacity levels and was not concerned about the added operational costs associated with the regional situation.

The Emirates chief also reaffirmed the airline’s interest in expanding its presence in Germany. He said demand for flights to Berlin remains strong and noted that the carrier has spent decades seeking approval to serve the German capital. Although Emirates has secured airport slots in Berlin, it is still awaiting regulatory clearance to begin operations there.

Addressing criticism from German carrier Lufthansa regarding alleged regulatory advantages enjoyed by Gulf airlines, Clark rejected the claims. He argued that Lufthansa had also benefited from government support and said the airline should compete independently rather than rely on political backing.

Emirates continues to pursue growth opportunities in key international markets while monitoring the impact of geopolitical developments on the global aviation industry.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates and Real Madrid CF have agreed to extend their partnership until 2031, continuing one of the most high-profile sponsorship relationships in global football and reinforcing a collaboration that will span nearly two decades.

The airline has been associated with the Spanish club since 2011, with the partnership elevated in 2013 when Emirates became the official jersey sponsor. Under the renewed agreement, Emirates will remain the Official Main Sponsor and Official Airline Partner for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Its branding will continue to feature prominently on match jerseys, training gear, and staff apparel across major competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The renewed deal also secures the distinction of being the longest-running jersey sponsorship in La Liga history.

Beyond kit sponsorship, the agreement includes expanded brand presence at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, access to club training facilities, and continued use of the Emirates Lounge, a premium hospitality space designed for guests, partners, and customers. The collaboration also extends to Real Madrid’s youth system, supporting player development at grassroots level.

In addition, Emirates will maintain and deepen its involvement in basketball through a separate multi-year extension, under which it will serve as the Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid’s basketball team until 2031.

Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, said the partnership reflects the airline’s long-standing engagement with football and its global fan base.

He highlighted that the collaboration has helped bring supporters closer to the sport through exclusive experiences and global fan engagement initiatives, while also strengthening Emirates’ presence in Spain.

Since launching its first flight to Madrid in 2010, Emirates has expanded its operations in the Spanish market, now operating five daily services across Madrid and Barcelona. The airline has also broadened its global connectivity via Dubai and introduced updated onboard products for passengers travelling to and from Spain.

Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez described the renewed agreement as a continuation of a strong and enduring relationship built over many successful years, noting the shared achievements between the two organisations.

Over the course of their partnership, Emirates and Real Madrid have collaborated on a range of marketing and fan engagement initiatives, including specially branded aircraft liveries, player-themed aircraft decals, matchday activations, and exclusive supporter experiences.

Emirates has also deployed dedicated aircraft for club-related charter operations, including Boeing 777 aircraft used for Spanish Super Cup travel between Madrid and Jeddah.

The airline maintains a broad portfolio of football sponsorships, which includes partnerships with Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais, along with a Platinum Partnership with FC Bayern Munich. It also serves as title sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and supports the UAE Pro League.

Beyond football, Emirates’ global sponsorship strategy spans multiple sports, including tennis, rugby, basketball, sailing, cycling, golf, horse racing, cricket, and Australian Rules Football. The airline says its portfolio is designed to connect international audiences with major sporting events, clubs, and competitions worldwide.

Source: ZAWYA