Passengers from the Middle East show a striking preference for premium travel, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Middle East Leads Global Premium Air Travel
In a significant development for the aviation industry, the Middle East has emerged as the global leader in premium air travel, with 14.7% of travelers choosing business or first-class cabins, far exceeding the global average of 6%.
Several key factors contribute to this trend.
Firstly, the hub status of Middle Eastern airlines plays a crucial role. Leading carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways serve as major intercontinental hubs connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. They offer state-of-the-art luxury cabins and have invested billions in redefining premium air travel, attracting high-end travelers passing through these hubs.
Secondly, the Middle East's geographic position favors routing long-haul flights that connect multiple continents. After Western airlines curtailed Russian airspace use due to geopolitical conflicts, Middle East airlines maintained overflights, gaining additional premium passengers rerouting through the region.
Thirdly, increasing disposable income and spending power in the region and among travelers lead to greater demand for luxury services. This is evident in Dubai Duty Free's record retail sales, which amounted to Dh4.118 billion ($1.128 billion) in the first half of 2025, a 5.34% year-over-year jump and exceeding the previous record by Dh208.95 million ($57.24 million).
Fourthly, changing traveler preferences post-pandemic have also contributed to the rise in premium travel. Travelers now prioritize comfort, well-being, and convenience, especially on long-distance flights. Innovations such as lie-flat seats, private suites, enhanced catering, and exclusive lounges make premium cabins more attractive.
Fifthly, the rise of "bleisure" travel, the blending of business and leisure trips, encourages passengers to upgrade to premium cabins for comfort and productivity, making luxury air travel a practical choice for both work and relaxation.
Lastly, some travelers prefer premium cabins to avoid crowded economy sections, seeking a more tranquil environment during flights.
The Jeddah-Riyadh route is the only airport pair outside the Asia Pacific region in the top 10 busiest air routes. However, the report does not provide any specific information about the Middle East's position in terms of the busiest air routes.
The United States is the world's largest aviation market, with 876 million passengers, and China holds the second spot with 741 million passengers. The Asia Pacific region has the most popular air routes globally, with Jeju-Seoul being the most popular route.
This combination of geographic advantage, carrier investments, demographic factors, and shifting traveler priorities drives the Middle East's unmatched share of premium air travelers globally.
[1] Dubai Duty Free announces record first-half sales of Dh4.118 billion. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Dubai_Duty_Free_announces_record_first-half_sales_of_Dh4118_billion-UAE-Finance-202507151
[2] Middle East airlines' hub status boosts premium travel. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.atwonline.com/passenger-cars/middle-east-airlines-hub-status-boosts-premium-travel
[3] Dubai Duty Free's record sales reflect strong spending power of travelers passing through UAE. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/dubai-duty-free-s-record-sales-reflect-strong-spending-power-of-travelers-passing-through-uae
[4] World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) 2024. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/a35d1e8291f247649e9190362b8904a2/2024-world-air-transport-statistics.pdf
[5] Premium travel on the rise in the Middle East. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/1061668-premium-travel-on-the-rise-in-the-middle-east
- The record retail sales of Dubai Duty Free amounting to Dh4.118 billion ($1.128 billion) in the first half of 2025 suggest an increase in disposable income and spending power, contributing to the high demand for luxury services and premium air travel in the Middle East.
- By investing billions in redefining premium air travel and offering state-of-the-art luxury cabins, leading Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have attracted a significant number of high-end travelers passing through major intercontinental hubs, such as those in the Middle East.
- The Jeddah-Riyadh route being the only airport pair outside the Asia Pacific region in the top 10 busiest air routes indicates growing popularity and demand for travel in the Middle East, fostering the region's strong position in premium air travel.
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