- Middle East becomes the second-largest premium travel market with 9.5% of all airline passengers now travelling in first or business class.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was once again the world's busiest for passenger traffic in 2025.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta has held the title of the world's No. 1 for passenger traffic for 27 of the last 28 years, slipping only once in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, and Hamad International Airport in Doha continue serving millions of international passengers every year.
- Emirates offers one of the world’s largest first-class and business-class networks, supported by private suites, onboard lounges, and chauffeur services in selected destinations.
- Etihad Airways has strengthened its premium offering with redesigned cabins, personalised service, and expanded international routes.
- Qatar Airways is recognized for its premium cabins, including its award-winning business-class product operating across an extensive global network.
- As international tourism rebounds, premium air travel is becoming an integral part of the luxury tourism ecosystem across the region.
- Growing international business activity, expanding luxury tourism, improved airline connectivity, and rising disposable incomes are encouraging more travellers to invest in enhanced travel experiences.
- Long-haul journeys connecting Europe with Asia and Australia make premium cabins particularly attractive for passengers seeking greater comfort on extended flights.
IATA's 2025 World Air Transport Statistics highlight a significant shift in the aviation landscape, with the Middle East emerging as the world's second-largest premium travel market. This region now accounts for 9.5% of all airline passengers traveling in first or business class, reflecting changing travel habits and the influence of Gulf airlines.1
Airports like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Hamad International in Doha are pivotal, serving millions and providing seamless connections globally. Emirates leads with a vast premium network, while Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways enhance their offerings with redesigned cabins and award-winning services.567
As international tourism rebounds, premium air travel is integral to the luxury tourism ecosystem, driven by growing international business, improved airline connectivity, and rising disposable incomes. Long-haul routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Australia make premium cabins increasingly attractive for comfort-seeking travelers.8
Meanwhile, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has maintained its status as the busiest airport for 27 of the last 28 years, despite a brief slip in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2025, it led global passenger traffic, with 9.8 billion passengers recorded last year, according to Airports Council International.23
The top five busiest airports include Dubai at No. 2, Tokyo at No. 3, Dallas/Fort Worth at No. 4, and Shanghai at No. 5, with Dallas/Fort Worth climbing six places since 2019, indicating its growing significance in global air travel.
“The report notes that 9.5% of all airline passengers now travel in premium cabins in the Middle East, driven by expanding tourism and Gulf airlines' investments. Other top busiest airports for 2025 include Dubai at No.2, Tokyo at No.3, Dallas/Fort Worth at No.4, and Shanghai at No.5.”
