- Global cargo revenue forecast to reach $158 billion in 2026.
- The Middle East is the “strongest” in net profit margin and profit per passenger.
- Retrofit programs and fleet life extension are instrumental in mitigating aircraft delivery delays.
Middle Eastern Airlines are poised to post a net margin of 9.3% in 2026, while carriers (in the region) are expected to earn $6.8 billion in net profit, the International Air Transport Association stated in its latest financial outlook on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
The IATA Global Outlook has termed the Middle East as “the strongest region in terms of net profit margin and profit per passenger.” It has attributed a positive regulatory operating environment in the region to the hegemony as a global connecting hub. Amidst geopolitical tensions, passenger demand is expected to be fueled by long-haul traffic and the expansion of hub carriers.
Governments and airlines have amped up investments to bolster long-term growth. Reports suggest King Salman International Airport, Saudi Arabia, is likely to start operations in 2030 with the annual passenger capacity of 185 million.
For the uninitiated, the $30bn project is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy. The airport is expected to handle up to 120 million travelers by 2030, and up to 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tons of cargo by 2050.
The airline industry is bullish on Dubai Airports moving to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as DWC, by 2032. Stakeholders have apparently targeted 260 million passenger capacity (around 2057).
The airline industry is touted to surpass the magic figure—$1 trillion in revenues for the first time in 2025, and it is expected to reach $1.053 trillion in 2026, according to the IATA forecast. The buoyant revenue comes on the back of passenger ticket revenue and cargo revenue; the former is expected to reach $751 billion, while the latter is poised to log $158 billion in 2026.
Meanwhile, Grand View Research has emphasized that the air traffic management could provide a USD 15.42 billion revenue opportunity by 2030, while the growth in the Middle East could compound at an annual rate of 9.8% between 2024 and 2030. The IATA has noted that the Middle East’s retrofit programs and fleet life extension are instrumental in mitigating aircraft delivery delays.
