The Middle East will be one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets during the next 20 years with an extra 237 million passengers flying to, from and within the region.
A report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts the UAE aviation market will lead the region with average annual growth of 5.6 per cent – outpacing Qatar (4.8 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (4.6 per cent).
The aviation body’s first 20-year forecast projects global passenger numbers to more than double to 7.3 billion by 2034, reflecting average annual growth of 4.1 per cent.
“It is an exciting prospect to think that in the next 20 years more than twice as many passengers as today will have the chance to fly,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and chief executive. “Air connectivity on this scale will help transform economic opportunities for millions of people.”
One of the most significant predicted shifts in the market will be the growth of air traffic to and from Africa.
Eight of the 10 fastest-growing markets in percentage terms will be in Africa, with Central African Republic, Madagascar, Tanzania and Burundi leading the growth markets on the continent.
Emirates Airline this month struck a 10-year management deal with Angola’s national airline that will allow the Dubai carrier to expand in Africa.
“Emirates aims to provide deeper reach and better connectivity for our passengers in Central and South Africa,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and chief executive.
The airline in September struck a deal with Nigeria’s Arik Air to add flights to the country and other West Africa destinations.
The budget carrier flydubai has meanwhile added three new routes to East Africa.
The United States is expected to remain the largest air passenger market until around 2030 when it will be overtaken by China.
The aviation body warned that policy obstacles could threaten the projected growth of the industry.
“Meeting the potential demand will require government policies that support the economic benefits that growing connectivity makes possible. Airlines can only fly where there is infrastructure to accommodate them,” said Mr Tyler. “People can only fly as long as ticket taxes don’t price them out of their seats. And air connectivity can only thrive when nations open their skies and their markets. It’s a virtuous circle.”
scronin@thenational.ae
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