Amman, Dec. 11 (Petra) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its outlook for the Middle East as part of its 2026 global industry forecast, confirming the region will lead the world in airline profitability next year.
In a press statement on Thursday, the IATA said the Middle East carriers are expected to deliver the highest net profit margin globally (9.3%) and the highest profit per passenger ($28.6), well above the global averages of 3.9% and $7.9, respectively.
Kamil Awadhi, the IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said: "The Middle East’s position as the most profitable region in 2026, in terms of profit margin and profit per passenger, underscores the benefits of strategic investment, supportive policy frameworks, and the region’s role as a global connecting hub." "But this success is far from uniform. Several carriers continue to face severe financial pressure due to geopolitical instability, blocked funds, and uneven infrastructure development. Closing this gap must be a regional priority. A more harmonized regulatory approach and deeper cooperation will help ensure all markets can participate in and benefit from the region’s growth trajectory," he added.
"Greater regional coordination is essential for the Middle East to realize its full aviation potential. An integrated air transport market, fair consumer protection rules, and clearing blocked funds will strengthen connectivity and efficiency across the region. And for states emerging from sanctions, creating clear pathways for safe reintegration is vital. By working together on these priorities, the region can ensure that aviation’s benefits are shared more evenly and sustainably," said Awadhi.
Middle East airlines are forecast to generate $6.9 billion in net profit in 2026, reflecting the region’s strong fundamentals, including robust long-haul traffic, expanding hub capacity, and continued investment in infrastructure. By comparison, global industry net profit is projected to reach $41 billion, with a total of 5.2 billion passengers expected to travel worldwide. Cargo demand is expected to grow 2.6% globally, with Middle East cargo volumes remaining stable.
The regional passenger market is forecast to reach 240 million passengers in 2026, supported by an expected 6.1% growth rate, outpacing the global average of 4.9%.
The IATA underscored the need to strengthen regional cooperation to fully unlock the aviation sector’s potential, highlighting several priority areas. These include advancing toward a more integrated air transport market to improve connectivity and reduce fragmentation, ensuring fair and balanced consumer protection frameworks, and supporting countries emerging from sanctions.
//Petra// AJ
